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A foundation is considered ‘piled’ when it reaches a depth that is more than three times its width. Foundation piling involves using piles to create a deep, strong foundational base to support a structure and transfer the structural load at the required depth, either by skin friction or end bearing. There are many different types of pile foundation used in construction, which may be categorised by either their purpose or function (such as ‘skin friction’ and ‘end-bearing’ piles), or the materials and installation method used (including concrete, steel, composite, and timber piles). The foundation piling services provided by Solmer Civil typically use cast-in-situ bored or CFA non-displacement piles of reinforced concrete.
Foundation piles are critical elements in ensuring the effective transfer of heavy and/or un-even structural loads through incompetent soils or weak strata and into more cohesive soils and rock bases. This type of pile is typically used to provide a foundational base for large structures and is ideal for supporting moment or large pile loads.
The pile type chosen for foundation piling depends on several factors:
Due to the wide variety of piling types, there is a type of pile foundation suitable for use in every kind of ground condition. Bored piling is usually used to access hard rock and reach deeper strata and is unsuitable for use in areas with a high groundwater table or sites where removal of excavated materials (spoilage) is problematic. CFA piles, on the other hand, are suitable for use in most ground conditions – even working well in poor quality soils and areas where the groundwater table is so high that it impossible to prevent seepage into the foundation trench.
Just as there are a wide variety of pile types that can be utilised to deliver the ideal foundation solution, there are also a range of installation methods, depending on the pile type and the purpose for which the foundations are being built.
Bored piles are constructed using a modern drill rig to bore a hole of the required diameter. By repeatedly drilling, then withdrawing the drill and removing ground material from the pile, until the required depth is reached. The sides of the shaft are supported throughout the construction process, often with temporary or permanent steel reinforcements, such as a steel casing or liner. For more information about bored piles and their construction click here
As piling specialists, we consult with engineers to design the best piling solution for each site or work to already-developed engineer-designed plans. For more information, contact the piling experts at Solmer Civil on
Solmer Civil has forged a name in the industry for making it happen when the customer needs it to happen. With our large fleet and workforce we have the capability to ensure the job gets done on time every time.