When is Bored Piling Used?
Although screw piling is one of the most common types of piling, there are many different types of piling that can be used in construction and mining environments. Bored pile (otherwise known as drilled shaft) is a type of piling that is often appropriate to support structures with heavy vertical loads.
Bored piling differs from other concrete pile foundations, like spun pile and reinforced concrete square pile foundations, which use precast concrete piles. Bored piling is a cast-in-place concrete pile, so the pile is cast on the construction site.
Bored piles are often a favourable foundation solution when the conditions of the ground are considered to be good. This means there is no threat of shallow water tables, the soils are consistent, and spoil removal will not be a difficult or expensive action (meaning no contaminated asbestos or acid sulphates are present). Bored piling is used in a wide range of projects, including but not limited to:
- Bridge works
- Some tall buildings
- Large industrial complexes
- Any other structures that require deep foundations.
It is widely recognised that bored piles, when drilled into rock conditions, can improve the chances of minimising any foundation settlement. There are other benefits of using bored piles too. Some of the benefits of bored piling include:
- Ability to use piles of varying lengths
- Reduced need for large excavations and subsequent backfill
- Less vibration and disruption to soil
- Can handle unique and oversized loads
- Capacity to drill piles to significant depths
- Greater capacities than driven piles.
How are bored piles placed?
There are many steps that need to be undertaken when carrying out a piling project. Firstly, the soil and rock need to be cleared to make room for the pile. Soil is generally removed using drilling tools, such as soil augers, rock augers, core barrels and clean-out buckets. These useful tools can reach a significant depth of up to 30m. The Piling Experts own various track mounted drilling rigs and excavators which can often drill to extreme depths of up to 30m (even in strong rocky environments).
Bored piles are drilled with circular augers, before being cleaned and then filled with concrete and steel reinforced cages.
Supporting the pile during its construction is important, which is why our team assesses ground conditions and the environmental constraints on site. Soft soils, stiff clays, or rock layers, can present challenges. If a drilled hole requires intervention to remain open (to avoid the soil/sand collapses the hole), a steel liner can be a permanent or temporary solution.
What other types of piling exist?
Every project and development is different, which is why many different types of piling can be used to ensure a safe and secure foundation. Screw piling and underpinning are two other common types of piling that are commonly used by Piling Experts. Generally speaking, screw piling is extremely popular because it is affordable, fast to install, creates less mess, and results in less traffic onsite. Underpinning, on the other hand, is useful to support existing structures that have settled or failed foundations.
A thorough site inspection prior to commencing works will help our crew determine the best type of piling for your needs. As suggested above, difficult or complex types of soil can present difficulties, so we will develop a plan that recognises these challenges and gears the piling project for success.
The Piling Experts work on a range of different projects, including government facilities, residential homes, commercial buildings and high-rise apartments, which means we have broad expertise in all types of piling. We can work together to find a solution that works for your circumstances.
Why contract The Piling Experts for your bored piles?
If you are looking for a piling contractor to assist with bored piling, contact Piling Experts. As the name suggests, we are experts in our trade and have ample experience drilling bored piles for our clients. We pride ourselves on outstanding customer service and effective piling solutions, which is why we are one of Australia’s top piling contractors.
Bored piles may or may not be the best solution available to you, depending on your unique circumstances and the details of your project. Our team will take the time to properly liaise with you and determine what piling option should be most appropriate for your project or development. We can consider all factors – including the environment, your budget, your workspace, and your desired timeframes – to discover an effective solution.
For more information about Piling Experts services and team, browse our website or contact us. A one-on-one discussion with our team can help to guide you on the range of services we offer, and will give both yourself and our crew an opportunity to determine whether we could be the best fit for your project. We look forward to hearing from you.
