Piling is an important part of the construction industry allowing builds to go ahead when it may not otherwise be possible. Within this blog post we are going to take a more in depth look into piling in Manchester, what it is, how it works, when it is needed, the different types of construction piling companies will use. The aim of this article is to give you a much better understanding of what piling is, how it works, when it’s needed, and the part it plays in the overall construction process.
What Is Piling?
The piling process involves the insertion of structural piles into the ground to provide additional support to a building’s foundations. The purpose of these piles is to transfer the load that is often found in heavier structures to areas that possess a higher load bearing capacity. Construction Piling is particularly useful when the soil in the area of the build is poor and cannot hold the load independently.
The Piling is carried out prior to the start of any construction with the aim of significantly improving the life expectancy of the structure. Piling is regarded as an extremely cost effective way of creating the deep foundations that are needed to do this.
Piles can be manufactured from a range of different materials such as steel, wood or concrete. The type of material used for the piles will be dependent on the makeup of the individual project as different types of piles will be required for small domestic projects to those needed for a large commercial construction.
How Does Piling Work?
The piling technique that is used is likely to vary depending on the type of pile you are using. However, the main goal of piling is the distribution of the building’s weight more evenly across the surface whilst also providing added structural support. The piles are generally placed into the ground using a pile driver with insertion followed by hammering or vibrations.
All other aspects of the construction must be considered before the piling process begins, the most important of these factors is the condition of the soil below the surface. The main reason for this is that iot will determine the most suitable piling technique. For instance, wet soil is not a suitable consistency for placing wood, metal, or steel during piling work.
So, in layman’s terms Piling involves driving large quantities of wood, steel, or concrete deep into the ground. This deep insertion creates a more stable foundation for the construction piling project.
When Do You Need To Use Piling In Construction?
Piling is typically necessary when a standard, shallow foundation isn’t sufficient to support a structure’s weight. This situation can arise when the surrounding soil is deemed inadequate or when a project is so large that it requires extra support.
Piling is also recommended when:
- There is a high water table
- The soil in the area has a tendency to be unstable
- Existing trench foundations are unstable or it would be much more expensive to remove them
- Other methods are prohibitively expensive
What are the Different Types of Construction Piling
The different types of piling are usually put into categories based on their design or the method by which they are supplied and installed. When trying to determine which type of piling is the best option for the project they are undertaking construction companies usually look at:
- How Deep the Excavation is
- The angle of Installation of the Pile
- Any environmental issues that may impact on local residents
Among the Most Commonly Used Piles Are
Driven Piles (Displacement Piles)
By hammering driven piles into the ground using extreme force they compact the soil making it more dense and increasing its load bearing capacity. As driven piles are precast prior to being used at the construction site they can be tailored to the specific needs of the individual project.
Bored Piles (Replacement Piles)
Bored piles are created by drilling into the ground to form a hole that is then filled with concrete. This process casts the pile directly in place, ensuring exceptional stability. It is particularly well-suited for residential areas because it generates less vibration during installation.
End-bearing Piles
End bearing piles work by transferring the majority of the load directly onto the base of the pile once it has got through into the solid layer of earth. Doing this basically produces a column that will cut right through any weaker ground into the more stable area below providing the structure with a strong foundation.
Friction Piles
The height of friction piles is used to transfer the force generated by a building into the soil itself. When you use this piling method the size of load that can be supported by the pile is directly related to the length of the pile, meaning that the deeper the pile, the more weight it can support.
Screwed Piles
Using the helix end you fix screw piles into the surface in the same way you would insert a screw into wood. This is why these piles are a good option if you are trying to keep damage to a minimum during installation. In a lot of cases this method can be much more cost effective.
Timber Piles
The oldest and most traditional of all the current piling methods. Timber piles are pre cast off site and you employ the driving method when installing them. They are considered to be a very cost effective, secure and effective solution for all manner of different structures.
Steel Piles
Steel piles are driven into solid soil or rock using high-impact or vibration hammers. These piles are suitable for both temporary and permanent projects and are often chosen for time-sensitive projects because construction can continue immediately after installation.
Concrete Piles
Concrete piles are often the preferred choice for projects carried out offshore such as bridges and oil rigs. They are perfect for stabilising structures on complex terrains as they can support both vertical and lateral wave loads.
Hopefully this blog post will have answered the question “ what is the construction piling process” for you and left you better informed. If you are undertaking any kind of construction project and feel that piling may be the most appropriate option why not contact the team here at WL Piling today.
