Choosing the right Piling Specialists
Whenever there is a new building project, the expertise if a piling specialist is required. However small, large, high or low a structure is, it needs to be supported at the foundations. Construction piling is the method used to strengthen the foundations of a building so that it will not move or collapse. Piling needs to be carried out in a way that ensures the foundations will last or the structure could be a serious hazard.
Piling is not just one fix-all solution; there are several different methods to choose on depending on some key factors, including the size and height of the building and the nature and condition of the surrounding soil. Driven piles and drilled piles are two such possibilities. This is why it is so important to find a qualified piling specialist to carry out the work and all necessary assessments of the site. There are also different safety and security needs depending on whether a building is a commercial, industrial or domestic project.
At MK Piling we have many years of piling experience and work closely with structural engineers, architects and building contractors to offer a piling service that is unmatched by anyone else. The combination of our in depth knowledge and use of advanced piling technology; means that we are the ideal choice for your construction project.
Foundation Piling Methods
Piling is mainly used for the construction of properties in order to strengthen the foundations around the structure. Properties are built to last so it is important to create a stable base for the building to rest on. The basic idea of foundation piling is to wall in piles which have been stacked up, to create a solid foundation.
Piles are usually made from reinforced concrete and pre-tensioned concrete. However, this has not always been the case, as previously piles were made from wood and other natural materials.
Driven piles tend to be made from concrete, although there are cases of wood or steel being used instead. Driven piles are a versatile solution to foundation piling as they can be adapted to suit properties of all different types. They can be placed in different shapes, including squares, octagons and rounded cross sections. Extra support is given by the piles being reinforced and being made pre-stressed concrete.
Bored piling is used to create piled walls, which are particularly useful for vertical basement excavation faces and water holding constructions. Small gaps need to be left between the piles, the size of which will depend on the condition of the soil. The features of the construction ground and the nature of the job will influence the type of piled wall that is built.
Pile Testing
Piling is an integral part of the building construction process and it is vitally important to make sure that the process of pile testing is always carried out. There are several different reasons why pile testing is so important. Firstly, pile testing leads to the design of other piles using back-figured soil data.
Construction projects can differ in size. This means that the required foundation piles are not always going to be the same size. Pile testing allows contractors to ascertain how large or small the piles will need to before they start work.
Pile testing is an assessment on how much weight can be supported effectively by the foundation piles. It ensures that the foundations of the building are safe and will not move or collapse.
Pile testing is does not take much time to complete which makes it cost-effective. There are four different tests which can be carried out as pile testing; these are the compression test, uplift test, lateral-load test and torsion-load test. The most commonly used test loading procedures are constant rate or penetration (CRP) and the maintained load test (MLT).
Reap the Benefits of Mini Piling
There are many different types of piling options available to contractors today. One of these is mini piling which has been derived from the screw pile. Mini piling has become increasingly popular for the more difficult projects as they have many advantages over more traditional piling methods. One of the main benefits of mini piles is that they can be implemented in much smaller spaces, overcoming many difficulties.
Mini piles are ideal for use where there are poor ground conditions as there is no need for excavation or removal of soil. For certain projects, traditional piles are simply too heavy to be used. Mini piles are a much lighter option that can be utilised in such instances. Mini piling should be used when vibration should be avoided and when only specialised equipment should be used i.e. when access is restricted. Mini piles are also appropriate for use when there are environmental concerns over a construction project.
Mini piling is versatile, durable, reliable and cost-effective which makes it a fantastic alternative to more traditional piling option.