What are Mini Pile Foundations?
Mini pile foundations work on a similar principal to other types of piling except, as the name suggests, they tend to be used on projects where a smaller scale is necessary. The purpose of mini pile foundations is to prepare the ground so that it can support the weight of a building; the mini pile has to be driven down into the ground so that the concrete foundations can then be poured on top of it in the normal fashion.
This type of mini pile foundation is often used on smaller construction sites, such as house extensions. For instance, if you were to get a conservatory that required foundations or were to extend your house outwards, it would be likely that mini pile foundations would be used.
Mini pile foundations can also be used as an alternative in some situations where environmental concerns play a role. Their primary function, though, is to allow an effective piling solution even in situations where access is tight, ensuring that all construction projects can be catered for and leading to safer and more efficient procedures.
Size is everything with Mini Piling
Mini piles are a lightweight type of pile that is relatively new compared to more traditional piles. Mini piles can be driven piles or screw piles and have become an increasingly popular choice because of their numerous advantages.
There are certain conditions which mean that mini piles are the only feasible option. Mini piling is often the most cost-effective method for contractors as they save a lot of time and money on difficult underpinning projects.
Mini piling is ideal when there is limited space available, unsuitable ground conditions or when conventional piles would be too heavy to use. Mini piling is also the best option when there is a need for sound restrictions as it generates less vibration and noise.
If you need a reliable, convenient and versatile piling option then mini piling is the solution for you.
Put up a Barrier with Sheet Piling
Sheet piling is a method which is used to create a barrier. A sheet piling barrier is created from interlocking sheets of steel and is a different type of driven piling. The interlocking steel sheet piles then form retaining walls.
Sheet piles are driven directly into the ground using piling equipment such as vibratory hammers. The barrier that is formed by the sheet piles is impermeable which means that it prevents water from seeping through. Sheet piles are drilled into the ground until the sheet piles stand at approximately two thirds below the ground, with the remaining third above ground level. Depending what your requirements are, sheet piles can are available in a wide range of sizes. Taller sheet piles require a back anchor that is inserted into the soil at a specific distance behind the wall – this provided additional support.
Sheet piling is a method used to ensure that retaining walls maintain a sturdy presence and continue to provide unfailing support to a structure.
Foundation Piling: An Overview
Foundation piling is a type of support for a building or other structure and can be made from a variety of different materials such as steel, wood, concrete or even a combination of different materials. Foundation piling provides stability so it needs to be incredibly sturdy so it can cope with extreme weight and pressure.
As well as different materials, there are also different types of piling available. The first method of piling is referred to as driven piles. Driven piles can be made from wood, steel or concrete and are inserted into the ground using a pile driver. The pile driver causes the surrounding earth the move which results in resistance against the driven pile – and therefore more stability.
Drilled piles have a very wide diameter which means that the insertion site needs to be sizeable enough to accommodate the piles. Drilled piles are commonly used in areas which have very dense, compact or hard layers of earth.
Continuous Flight Auger piles – or CFA piles – do not have any casing which means that the hollow drilling technique fills the hollow auger with concrete. A concrete pillar is then formed once the auger is removed.
Micro piles tend to be made from steel and are ideal for use on smaller construction sites. Micro piles are extremely versatile, convenient and great for use when space is very restricted.
Sheet piling is constructed from interlocking steel barriers which hold back earth and water which allows construction projects, which would otherwise be cancelled, to go ahead
Additional Support with a Retaining Wall
Constructing a retaining wall serves three main purposes – to support sloping earth, to drain any water and to reduce hydrostatic pressure. The most common type of retaining wall is the cantilever wall. A cantilever retaining wall is constructed with a free-standing barrier which does not have any lateral support at the top. The retaining walls tend to cantilevered from a footing which reaches up past the grade on one side. On the other side, it holds back a higher level grade.
It is important to hire a piling contractor who has specialist knowledge of retaining walls. Planning is key to an effective, stable retaining wall as they need to be constructed so as to resist the pressure of both soil and water.
Another common retaining wall design is the anchored retaining wall. Anchors are placed deep into the ground to support the retaining wall from behind. The method of soil nailing is then often used to reinforce the retaining wall. Soil nailing involved drilling into the ground and installing steel tendons. These are then grouted to create a composite mass which is similar to a gravity wall.
Concrete Piles: The Right Choice
So, the architect who has assessed your building project has said that you require foundation piling. What is the next step? You will need to conduct some research to find a piling specialist who can carry out the required foundation piling work. There are several different types of concrete piles available so it will be up to the piling specialist to decide which concrete piles are most suitable for your construction project.
Concrete piles are drilled into the foundation of the structure to provide extra support and stability. Ask the piling specialist what type of equipment they use. Ideally, they will use a hydraulic top pile driver as this will ensure that the concrete piles are installed correctly.
Doing a simple Google search will produce countless piling specialists. Don’t just go with the first one you see or the one who offers to complete the work at the lowest price. It is essential that foundation piling work is carried out properly to ensure optimum safety.
How Piling Contractors Can Help You
First things first; do you require foundation piling for your particular construction project? There is no point spending time searching for a piling specialist if you don’t actually need one. You can find out from the project’s architect whether or not foundation piling is required.
If you do need foundation piling to be carried out, then make sure you find a piling specialist who is fully qualified to carry out the work. Shop around and find a decent quote, but remember; safety always comes before price.
Foundation piling should always be tested after completion. This is done using heavy weights that are placed on the foundations to test durability. The job of the piling specialist is not yet done. Depending on the nature of the ground which is being built upon, it could begin to change one excavation starts. The piling specialist needs to constantly analyse the soil conditions to observe if the conditions begin to change.
Working closely with a piling specialist will ensure that your construction project will go to plan and any hiccups can be dealt with quickly and efficiently. Get online and find a professional, qualified piling specialist. Job done!
Only the Best Piling Equipment Will Do
Piling is a critical part of the construction process which is why it is crucial that good quality piling equipment is used in order to get the job done safely and efficiently. There are many different types of piling equipment available so they type of piling required needs to be defined before the piling equipment is decided upon. Another factor when determining what piling equipment to use is what material the piles are made from. Most piles are made from wood, steel or concrete.
There are several different piling methods available which can be displacement pile driving or non-displacement piling. The size and weight of the piles are two of the most important factors when deciding upon a method of piling. Resistance, accessibility and noise restrictions are also considerations which must be taken into account when choosing a piling method and, therefore, appropriate piling equipment.
The use of the correct piling equipment, method and materials is integral to the safety and durability of a structure. Don’t cut any corners to save time or money as it could jeopardise the whole construction project.
Piling Services are Solid as a Rock
A fundamental part of a building is stability. If a building is not solid then it is rendered useless. The ways in which to ensure the stability of a building is by the installation of foundation piles.
The main elements of a decent piling service are planning and skill. If you are planning on beginning a building project, it is essential that you find a first-rate piling service that can provide you with experienced and skilled piling specialists. Piling should always be carried out by qualified piling specialists who know what they are doing. You should work closely with the piling service company to make sure that you both understand the project fully.
Find a piling service is easy these days with the internet. Be warned, however, that anyone can get themselves a website but that does not mean they are who they say they are. Take the time to research piling services and read reviews by people who have used the piling service which you are interested is. A decent piling service is the key to a successful building project.
Steel versus Composite Ground Anchors
Ground anchors are an integral part of the construction process as they create stability for buildings and other structures. Ground anchors are particularly effective when buildings are constructed on steep slopes as they prevent erosion and potential landslides.
Composite ground anchors have many benefits over steel ground anchors. One of the key overriding factors of composite ground anchors is their strength. Steel ground anchors are more likely to succumb to corrosion which is caused by both atmospheric conditions and alkalis which are found it most soils. Composite ground anchors have a longer life-span which means they cost less to maintain and will not need to be replaced as often.
Despite being more durable, composite ground anchors are lighter in weight than the steel alternative which means they can be transported around and installed much easier. Steel ground anchors are more rigid making them less flexible than composite ground anchors. There are certain sites which it is simply impossible to opt for steel ground anchors.
With regards to health and safety, composite ground anchors are preferable to steel ground anchors. Because they are lightweight but also heavy duty, installation teams and engineers can implement them in difficult circumstances. There is less chance of them breaking or slipping which could prove to be very dangerous.