Piling foundations are a deep foundation which comprises a structural pile which is a cylinder made of a strong material, driven into the ground to support a building’s base. Their role is to provide a solid foundation for the structure by transferring its weight from the ground surface to a deeper, more solid layer
Within this blog post we are going to take a more in depth look at traditional piling methods and the benefits of piling in the construction process. We will look at the different types of piling and materials used and the benefits of piling. To give balance to our article we will also take a look at the disadvantages associated with the use of piling. Hopefully our blog post will tell you everything you need to know about piling.
What Are The Different Types Of Piling Foundations?
Pile foundations consist of a series of foundation piles drilled into holes in the ground. The choice of what foundation pile is used to create a pile foundation depends on the soil type, soil condition, type of structure and the load-bearing requirements. The most common types of pile foundations are:
Displacement Piles
In this process a pre-formed pile is driven into the ground using a pile driving machine. A cap covers the pile to ensure that the continuous blows needed to drive the pile into the ground do not damage it. This process displaces and compacts the soil until you get to the correct depth. These are known as displacement piles and using them has both advantages and disadvantages which include:
Advantages:
- Cost: Having the piles manufactured off site is more cost effective, however accuracy is paramount when measuring the lengths of the pipes.
- Adaptability: You can install piles in long lengths by using mechanical joints to connect sections together.
- Reduced Wastage: There is almost no spoil to be removed from site.
- Speed of installation: displacement piling is a relatively quick process which reduces the time it takes to complete the project.
Disadvantages
- There is a limit to the load that the pile can carry.
- Piles are sometimes damaged when being hammered into the ground.
- Noise and vibrations can impact neighbouring properties.
Cast-in-situ Piles
Holes are drilled into the ground to the depth needed for the project. Once this process has been completed it is reinforced with steel and wet concrete is poured into the hole to fill it. The term for these is replacement piles because they are replacing the soil with a stronger material like concrete or steel.
Advantages
- High-capacity piles can be created with diameters exceeding 3 metres.
- Jointing the piles isn’t necessary to achieve the required design depth.
- Noise and vibration are minimal, causing little disturbance to nearby properties.
- These piles can also overcome ground obstructions to reach the desired depth.
Disadvantages
- You need specialists with the necessary expertise to carefully monitor the quality checks on the materials used.
- Because the soil is not compacted as they are when using displacement piles the load bearing capacity of the soil will not be as high.
- A cast in situ pipe takes longer to form meaning the construction process takes longer.
- You will need to remove large amounts of soil from site.
Benefits Of Using Piling Foundations
There are a number of real benefits associated with the use of piling foundations which include:
Strength: There is no doubt that piling foundations are one of the strongest foundation solutions available to you. Piling foundations are so reliable and strong that engineers routinely choose them for structures that are required to stand up to extreme forces. A good example of this are buildings in earthquake prone regions that regularly rely on pile foundations for structural stability.
Value For Money: The exceptional strength of piling foundations and the longevity and stability it provides to all different types of structure far outweighs the cost. When you use piling in your construction project you can rest assured that your foundations will be secure for years to come.
Versatility: Pile foundations can be used in a variety of different soil types and conditions. No matter whether the ground on site is wet and saturated or has challenging geological formations, piling techniques can be adapted to meet the exact requirements of the project.
Piling Reduces the Risk of Settlement: Settlement refers to the gradual sinking or shifting of a structure, which can present major challenges for construction projects. It may lead to uneven floors, cracked walls, and weakened structural integrity, potentially making the building unsafe for occupants, visitors, or those nearby. Piling helps address these risks by providing a stable foundation that evenly distributes the weight of the structure, thereby reducing the chances of settlement over time.
Environmental Sustainability: Along with delivering significant structural benefits piling can also make a contribution to environmental sustainability by minimising the need for extensive excavation and ground preparation. This in turn reduces soil disturbance and helps minimise the environmental footprint of any project. Additionally, structures built on pilings have a longer lifespan, which reduces the need for frequent maintenance and replacements. This, in turn, leads to lower consumption of material resources over time.
Why Choose WL Piling For Your Piling Foundations
Here at WL piling we have over 50 years experience of delivering high quality piling foundations to clients form all residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Our highly skilled workforce make use of state of the art equipment to ensure your project is completed to the highest standard possible.
We work closely with you to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish. So, if you are in need of high quality piling foundations contact the team here at WL Piling without delay.
