If you are undertaking any type of construction project where you need to add some extra stability to the foundations and piling is one of the ways to achieve this. However, where piling is concerned there are a number of different options open to you. While at one time there was only traditional piling, a technique that has stood the test of time, however there is now a new modern alternative available to construction companies mini piling.
Within this blog post we are going to look deeper into the world of construction and explain what the differences between piling and mini piling are, when they can be used, the benefits of each and other relevant factors such as cost and the impact on the environment.
Hopefully when you have finished reading you will know all there is to know about piling and have the knowledge to make a well informed decision about which method is best for your particular project.
What Is Traditional Piling?
Traditional piling which involves the driving of concrete or heavy steel piles into the ground to give your structure a stable base. The aim of this is to ensure that the structure has the load capacity to cope with any dead or live load they are faced with.
With traditional piling the choice of material can play an important part in the success of any project. Depending on the specific needs of your particular project your options are steel piles which offer flexibility and a high strength to weight ratio or concrete piles that are durable and have the ability to provide support to significant suppressive loads.
The number of piles you need will usually be determined by the structure’s size and any design specifications based on information provided by the project’s structural engineers.
What Is Mini Piling?
More recently Mini Piling has become a popular alternative to traditional piling and is now regularly used in residential construction. Mini Piling is an extremely effective and versatile solution to provide your build with a solid foundation.
Mini Piling is also known as micro piling and is especially useful where there is limited space or you are faced with soil conditions that are particularly challenging. The piles used in mini piling have small diameters that range between 150- 300mm and are inserted using more compact and manoeuvrable equipment. Mini piling is especially beneficial where it is not feasible to use larger piling equipment or if the site you are working on has limited access.
Does Weather Influence The Choice Between Traditional Piling and Mini Piling?
Weather conditions play a crucial role in your choice of piling; traditional methods are less resistant to weather changes, often resulting in delays due to rain or freezing temperatures. Mini piling, however, is more adaptable to seasonal factors, which means there is less downtime during adverse conditions.
What are The Benefits Of Mini Piling?
While larger projects require the use of traditional piling methods, it has been proved that there are a a number of very real benefits associated with the use of mini piling on smaller projects which include:
Excellent Load Bearing Capabilities: Even though they are compact in size mini piles have the ability to support heavy loads efficiently. For this reason they are suitable for use on a wide range of buildings such as residential properties and commercial and infrastructure projects.
Versatility: Mini Piles are renowned for their versatility which allows them to be used in all manner of soil conditions. Their compact size means they are the perfect choice where access to the site is limited or if the terrain is not suitable for the use of traditional piling methods. This is one of the reasons why mini piling is routinely used on construction projects in urban and rural settings.
Reduced Disruption: When compared to traditional piling which often calls for extensive excavation mini piling can be carried out with minimal disruption. The small diameter of the mini piles allows them to be placed precisely, removing the need for extensive site preparation and reducing disruption to the environment.
Lower Costs: Mini piles regularly provide construction companies with a budget-friendly foundation solution. When compared to traditional piling methods there is much less labour and machinery needed in mini piling which leads to cost savings. Moreover, their versatility in handling a variety of different ground conditions can result in savings on the cost of preparing and excavating the site.
Reduced Environmental Impact: Installing mini piles generally requires fewer materials and equipment, leading to a reduced carbon footprint. This supports sustainable construction practices and environmental goals, this makes mini piling an environmentally friendly foundation option.
Speed of Installation: Because of the streamlined process mini piles can be installed much quicker than those used in traditional piling methods. This helps speed up the construction process which allows projects to be completed quicker.
How Do Traditional Piling and Mini Piling Methods Affect the Overall Project Timeline?
The larger scale and equipment used in Traditional piling can prolong your project’s timeline. In contrast, mini piling is less disruptive and can speed up the process, potentially lowering the cost of labour and site operation time.
Hopefully this blog post will have helped provide you with a clearer understanding of the differences between traditional and mini piling. Here at WL Piling we offer our clients a full range of efficient and cost effective piling services for all different sizes of structures. To get more information contact the team here at WL Piling without delay.
