Piling Types Based on Their Working Principle
End-Bearing Piles:
These piles derive their load-bearing capacity mainly from the hard stratum or rock layer at the bottom of the pile. The load is transferred from the structure through the length of the pile to the end-bearing layer.
Friction Piles:
Friction Piling Contractors in Kent, also known as cohesion piles, rely on the frictional resistance developed along the sides of the pile shaft to bear the load. The load is transferred from the structure to the surrounding soil through the frictional interaction between the pile and the soil.
Compaction Piles:
Compaction piles, aka sand or gravel piles, are formed by driving or compacting granular material (such as sand or gravel) into the ground. These piles improve the soil’s load-bearing capacity by densifying the surrounding soil mass.
Tension Piles:
Tension piles, also called uplift piles, are designed to resist uplift forces. They are typically used in situations where there is a risk of the structure being subjected to upward forces, such as buoyancy in waterlogged or expansive soils.
Displacement Piles:
Displacement piles are driven or screwed into the ground, displacing the soil laterally. These piles compact the surrounding soil and rely on the resulting densification for load-bearing capacity.
Sheet Piles:
Sheet piles are thin, interlocking steel or concrete sections driven into the soil to create a barrier against loose soil or water. These piles are commonly used in marine and waterfront structures, retaining walls, and deep excavations.
Piling Types Based on Materials:
Concrete Piles:
Concrete piles are typically precast or cast in situ and can be made of reinforced or plain concrete. They are commonly used for their durability, load-bearing capacity, and ease of installation.
Steel Piles:
Steel piles are commonly used when high load-bearing capacity is required, such as bridge foundations or heavy structures. They can be driven or drilled into the ground and are often filled with concrete to increase their strength.
Timber Piles:
Timber piles are commonly used in coastal areas, where the piles are submerged in water or exposed to saltwater. They are also used when the noise and vibration associated with pile driving must be minimized.
Composite Piles:
These are made of a combination of materials, such as steel and concrete or steel and fiberglass. These piles are designed to take advantage of the favorable properties of each material while minimizing their drawbacks.
Piling Types Based on Construction Techniques
Driven Piles:
Driven piles are installed by driving them into the ground using impact hammers. The pile is forcefully hammered into the ground until it reaches the desired depth or a specified resistance. They are commonly used for steel, concrete, or timber piles.
Bored Piles:
Bored piles, also known as drilled shafts or auger-cast piles, are constructed by drilling a borehole and filling it with concrete or other suitable materials. They are typically constructed using large drilling equipment, and reinforcement is often added during or after drilling.
Jacked Piles:
Jacked piles are installed using hydraulic jacks to push the pile into the ground. This method is often used when noise, vibrations, or ground settlement needs to be minimized.
Screw Piles:
Screw piles, aka helical piles, are installed by rotating them into the ground using specialized machinery. The spiral shape of the pile provides both support and the ability to anchor into the soil. This method is commonly used in situations with soft or loose soil conditions.
Why Should You Hire an Expert Piling Contractor?
A piling contractor is essential for several reasons when it comes to foundation construction or any project that requires deep foundation support, such as:
Expertise and Experience:
Piling contractors specialize in the installation of piles and have extensive knowledge and experience in various piling techniques and methods. They understand the complexities of soil conditions, load requirements, and foundation design, allowing them to provide expert advice and solutions for your project.
Proper Pile Installation:
Pile installation requires specialized equipment, techniques, and precision. Piling contractors have the necessary equipment, such as piling rigs, drilling machines, or pile driving equipment, to ensure the proper installation of piles according to design specifications.
Compliance with Regulations and Standards:
Piling contractors in London are well-versed in local building codes, regulations, and industry standards related to deep foundation construction. They ensure that the piling work is carried out in compliance with these standards, ensuring the safety and structural integrity of the foundation.
Quality Assurance:
Piling contractors Kent is responsible for ensuring the quality of the piling work. They perform quality control measures during installation, including monitoring pile integrity, verifying alignment, and conducting pile load testing.
Time Efficiency:
They have the resources and expertise to carry out piling work efficiently. They can complete the foundation construction within the specified timeline, minimizing delays and potential disruptions to the overall project schedule.
