Whether you’re planning to install a new building, renovate an existing structure, or are planning to improve the foundation of an existing building, piling London has the knowledge, skills, and experience to meet your needs. There are a number of different types of piling methods that can be used, including: Underpinning, Driven Pile, Mini-piling, and Tremmied Pile. All of these methods are used to anchor your structure to the ground. If you’re not sure what type of piling is right for your project, contact us today.
Driven piles
Several studies have investigated the behaviour of piles penetrating rock surfaces. However, little guidance exists on how to estimate the shaft capacity of these piles. This is a significant problem because the resulting differential settlement predictions must account for the rigidity of the structure.
As a result, the majority of published analyses do not account for the non-linearity of soil stiffness. This is especially true for increasing pile diameter.
One study aimed to investigate the bearing capacity of bored piles in London Clay. It showed that the capacity of these piles increased with time. However, it is not clear whether this capacity increase is justified if the piles are not tested.
Another study studied the behaviour of piles driven into granular soil. The results showed that the shaft resistance was reduced as the distance increased from the ground surface to the pile tip. This is an alternate method of estimating the shaft resistance of these piles.
The same study showed that the shearing strength of fissured clay declined rapidly after sampling. This suggests that the skin friction of concrete piles driven into stiff to hard clay is close to 2,000 lb. per square foot.
Several case studies have investigated the behaviour of driven piles penetrating rock surfaces. These include:
Axelsson G. 1998 studied the long-term increase in the shaft capacity of driven piles in sand. He found that the shaft capacity of these piles increased steadily over time, although the increase did not increase linearly. The increase in the UCS was mainly caused by the formation of rock sockets and slits in the rock.
Another study found that the ultimate limit state of a driven pile was reached at the earliest possible time. The earliest possible time refers to the point in time at which the pile is first loaded. The maximum load is reached at the top of the pile.
In addition to estimating the UCS of driven piles penetrating rock, several studies have investigated the effects of settlement on pile foundations. Most analyses do not consider the effect of ground accelerations on adjacent properties.
Tremmied piles
Using synthetic polymer fluids for bored piles has been around for over two decades. However, the results are mixed. They are probably due to the different clay mineralogy used in each formation. Polymers are also physically different from bentonite, and have the potential to compromise pile performance.
To investigate the effects of polymer fluids on bored piles, three full-scale instrumented test piles were constructed in East London. The objectives of the trial included testing improved construction methods, investigating the load-settlement behaviour of piles, and determining the effects of bore open time on pile performance.
Various tests were conducted, including a load-transfer analysis of the ground at the test pile location, and the measurement of load-transfer curves at various levels of the piles. In addition, sister bar strain gauges were installed at different levels from the pile tops. The curves were then derived, and used to derive a mobilised base resistance.
The DT below the cut-off level was similar to the DT at four locations around the pile’s circumference. This was not the case for the underlying Upnor Formation, but was comparable for the Woolwich and Reading formations. The difference in G and between the piles is within the expected scatter range.
The results showed that the effects of the polymer fluid on the shaft resistance of piles in the Woolwich and Reading formations were minimal. However, the piles constructed with polymers showed a marked improvement in kPa.
The load-settlement response of piles constructed with polymers was also stiffer than piles drilled with bentonite slurry. The same effect was observed with bentonite slurry, but the difference between the piles was greater.
A few factors could influence the elastic modulus of a pile, including the type of modulus derivation used and the amount of concrete creep strain present. The idealised profile shown in Fig. 1 is the result of a back-analysed data set. Similarly, the adhesion factor, measured at the pile site, is within a reported range of 0.36 to 0.8 for the Lambeth Group. However, there is still a lot of research to be done to establish whether these findings apply to polymer fluids.
Mini-piling
Whether you need a foundation for a new building or for existing structures, mini-piling is an effective solution. It is particularly effective in low headroom areas. It can also be used for areas that are susceptible to subsidence or poor ground conditions.
Piling is a method of creating a strong foundation by drilling vertical sections deep into the ground. It is a much more efficient method than trench excavation. The advantages include a lower carbon footprint, greater depths, and less waste.
Piling can be constructed from concrete, wood, steel, or a blend of these materials. The size of the piles can vary from 100mm to 3500mm. This varies depending on the depth and subsurface profile of the ground.
The mini piles are installed using rotary drilling or impact driving. They can be drilled into almost any ground type. They can be installed in depths of up to 50 meters. They can also be installed through an open bore.
They are also used as an alternative to conventional foundations. They are suitable for areas with unstable ground conditions or where there are a lot of trees. The mini piles are also useful when there are low headroom areas or for constructing in areas with confined access. They are also a good solution for sites where there are high tides.
Mini Piling Systems are designed to minimize the environmental impact of construction. They are ideal for installation in close proximity to delicate structures, and also to reduce disturbance to nearby habitats. They also use less concrete than other piling systems.
Typically, mini piles are installed from 100mm to 600mm in diameter. These piling systems can be cased in short connecting steel sections, which make them ideal for confined spaces. They are often used for domestic applications.
Mini Piling is a quick and efficient way to install a foundation. It is also a cost-effective solution to foundation construction. It is also the best choice for domestic projects. It is also the best option for restricted access areas.
Underpinning
Having your house underpinned in London can make it stronger, reduce risk, and prevent structural damage. A professional firm can ensure the structure of your home is properly strengthened and stabilized, preventing future problems.
Before starting any underpinning work, your property needs to be checked by a structural engineer. This will help you decide which method of underpinning is best suited to your home. A structural engineer can also help you with building control and provide you with legal documentation.
During underpinning, your builder will dig holes beneath the existing foundations. These holes will be filled with concrete and cement. The process can take several weeks to complete, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done.
A structural engineer will inspect your property and provide you with a Certificate of Structural Adequacy. This will help with your insurance application.
Depending on the amount of work that needs to be undertaken, underpinning can be expensive. It is important to ensure that the price you are quoted is suitable for your property. The price of underpinning will depend on the location of your property, the type of foundations that need to be reinforced, and the depth of the excavations.
Underpinning costs will increase if you live in an area that is more built up. In London, built up areas are generally more expensive than unbuilt areas. This is because there is less space between buildings. Also, underpinning is more labor intensive and involves heavy machinery.
Underpinning can also be expensive if you live in a sloping property. You may have to pay for specialist insurance providers. Also, you may have to pay for planning permission.
You should notify your local building control office if you plan to have any underpinning work done. This will ensure that you have all the necessary permits and approvals. If you have shared walls, you may need to sign a party wall agreement.
Underpinning can be expensive, and it can be a dangerous procedure. If your foundations are damaged, it may be necessary to make good or replace the walls, ties, and bowing walls.
