Benefits of Pile Drilling
1. Quality Assurance and Consistency
Driven piles are a total engineering solution. The design, installation, and quality assurance that accompany each driven pile eliminate guesswork. Here’s why:
- Precise Materials: Driven piles consist of natural materials or pre-manufactured structural shapes built to precise tolerances. They utilize high-strength materials and reliable quality control.
- Conformance to Standards: All driven piles conform to ASTM standards. Their quality remains consistent from the first pile to the last, and you can verify it visually before installation.
- Shape Maintenance: Driven piles maintain their shape during installation. Unlike some other methods, they don’t bulge in soft soil conditions or get damaged by subsequent pile installations.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Driven piles offer cost savings in various ways:
- Tailored Capacity: Pile capacity can be optimized per pile or pile length, ensuring exactly the required load-bearing capacity while minimizing foundation costs.
- No Hidden Costs: You pay only for what you need. There are no hidden extra costs or added expenses for site clean-up.
- Setup Phenomenon: Driven piles often gain capacity after installation due to soil strength increasing over time. This “setup” can lead to substantial savings when considered in design and confirmed by testing.
3. Engineering Flexibility
Driven piles adapt well to different subsurface conditions:
- Wide Material Variety: Driven piles come in various materials and shapes. They can be fabricated or specified for high structural strength, allowing them to handle increased working loads.
- Dynamic Testing: Dynamic testing confirms proper hammer performance and pile integrity. Modern hammers often have impact velocity measurement devices for high-quality control.
4. Minimized Disruption
Driven piles minimize disturbance to adjacent soil and structures:
- Low Vibration: The vibration during installation is relatively low, reducing the impact on nearby piles or structures.
- Less Excavation: Large excavations and subsequent backfill are minimized, resulting in less disruption to the site.
5. Extended Depths and Soil Adaptability
Driven piles can extend to depths below frost penetration and seasonal moisture variation. They adapt to various soil conditions, making them versatile for different projects.
In summary, pile drilling offers a reliable, cost-effective, and adaptable solution for deep foundations. Whether you’re building bridges, high-rises, or other structures, consider the benefits of driven piles in your next project!