Piling mistakes can happen for a variety of reasons. And it’s unsurprising when there are so many variables at play — from soil conditions and load-bearing calculations to choosing a pile type. It is an extremely complex process, even if you have all the equipment, skills, and knowledge needed to carry out a piling project.
Unfortunately, the consequences of these mistakes often lead to significant financial loss and lengthy project delays. As such, understanding some of the most common piling mistakes can help you stay one step ahead and ensure a successful project.
So, what are the most common piling mistakes?
Driving your piles too deep
Many assume that “deeper is stronger” when it comes to piling, but this isn’t the case. When you’re installing piles, they should only ever be driven to the point where your desired load resistance is achieved.
If you try to force additional capacity out of an already adequate pile, you increase the risk of structural issues by hitting unsuitable layers that compromise load-bearing capacity, and may even damage the pile material itself.
How to avoid driving your piles too deep
- Use accurate soil data to set clear depth limits based on the conditions
- Conduct dynamic load testing for resistance feedback
Driving your piles out of alignment
It’s common for piles to misalign if the site hasn’t been prepared correctly or if the guide frame is unsuitable. This can lead to an uneven load transfer within the pile, reducing the structure’s stability, potentially leading to collapse or damage.
This can also occur due to soil condition changes, which can be hard to identify before it’s too late. This is why it’s always best to pre-drill if the ground conditions are variable or challenging, and to monitor as much as possible throughout the installation.
How to avoid driving your piles out of alignment
- Take your time when preparing your site and use reliable surveying equipment
- Use guide frames and templates to ensure correct positioning when driving
- Pre-drill holes in soft, unstable soils
- Monitor consistently throughout the installation to identify any deviation as soon as possible
Not considering pile obstructions
Some piling contractors go straight into an installation without conducting a thorough site investigation, ignoring any potential obstructions like boulders, debris, or old foundations beneath the surface. This tends to happen if the installation is rushed as part of a project with a tight deadline.
If sub-surface obstructions get in the way of your pile installation, it could potentially put your whole project to a stop, damage your equipment, and result in even more lengthy (and costly) delays.
How to avoid running into pile obstructions
- Conduct a detailed ground investigation to uncover any potential obstructions
- Make trial boreholes to help you detect any debris, boulders, or old foundations
- Use a ground-penetrating radar for a real-time profile of what’s beneath the surface
Forcing old piles to move laterally
When working on a redevelopment or extension project requiring piles, it’s essential to think about potential pile interaction. Installing new piles could potentially put lateral pressure on existing piles or footings, which can damage surrounding structures and limit their stability.
This can happen if a project goes ahead without considering interactions or installing displacement piles too close to those already present.
How to avoid lateral pile displacement
- Keep a sufficient clearance distance between old and new piles
- Use non-displacement piles if you are installing near existing structures to minimise disturbance
- Perform a pile interaction analysis to account for unexpected pressure and movement
Failing to think about pile penetration
Piles are designed with two factors in mind — how deep they go, and how much resistance they encounter at that depth.
Many wrongly assume that getting to the set depth means the pile has achieved its required load-bearing capacity. However, this doesn’t always happen, especially if you’re installing them in soft or unpredictable soils.
How to avoid pile penetration disruptions
- Make sure to test for depth and resistance as well as penetration
- Use static load tests to check that a pile can hold its required structural load
- Choose the best type of pile for your needs based on the soil conditions — don’t just assume!
Trust in WL Piling for reliable piling services
Our team has provided professional piling services in the North West for over 50 years. In this time, we’ve witnessed a fair share of piling mistakes and can confidently avoid any disruptions and delays using the preventative measures listed above.
Whether you need foundation piling, grundomat piling, driven piles or mini piles for your project, we will always ensure that the installation is as safe and secure as possible. We are fully compliant and prioritise health and safety in every project we take on.
Get a free quote today by getting in touch with our team. Call 07525 497 677, email chris@wlpiling.co.uk, or fill in our simple online contact form.
