Piling is a technique used for strengthening a structure\’s foundations. It can be used for a variety of building projects. When building a large project or adding an extension or basement to a house, piling contractor services can be necessary to secure the weight and ensure that everything is safe. In some instances, however, standard piling won’t work for some projects – which is why mini piling can offer better results.
What is mini piling?
Mini piling is a type of piling that has a smaller diameter than standard piling. As a result, they are light and affordable while still being able to withstand high weights. The most common kind of mini piling is a hollow steel shaft fastened or drilled into the ground.
Advantages of mini piling
Mini piling has various advantages over conventional piling. The following are some of the most important ones.
1. Quick installation
Depending on the ground conditions, a quick installation is possible. There is no waiting time for concrete to set and there is no excavation required, so a house extension can take between 2 and 5 days, saving time and money on a project.
2. They can be constructed in restricted places
Mini piling techniques allow builders to construct expansions to homes in previously inaccessible areas. Mini piling is also perfect for tight spaces since it needs less equipment than conventional piling. Screw piles can be installed in small spaces, no matter the sort of soil or terrain.
Additionally, sectional auger mini piles can be utilised on building sites with restricted headroom. This entails drilling down and gradually creating various flight sections.
3. There is little disruption for nearby buildings
During the construction of tiny piling, there is very little disruption or vibration to nearby structures. This makes it a fantastic option for places that are sensitive to the environment, as screw piles cause minimal damage to tree roots and the soil surrounding them.
Mini piling is also good for densely populated places or with adjacent buildings since it produces less noise and vibrations while still providing solid foundations.
4. They are cost-effective
Mini piles can be installed cost-effectively and with optimal results, offering high load capabilities when the ground conditions are adequate.
5. They are environmentally friendly
Mini piling is more environmentally friendly than conventional piling as it uses less concrete and steel to complete projects, reducing the carbon footprint. Secondly, mini piling rigs are smaller and therefore can reach less accessible places without the need to remove parts of the natural environment or take down buildings.
Methods of mini piling
The following are some of the most common methods of mini piling.
1. Augered piling
This is a time and cost-efficient method, commonly utilised in cohesive soils when augers are spun into the ground. It is possible to use temporary casings in combination with augers to make it easier to advance the bore if the ground is unstable. The steel reinforcement is installed once the pile length is determined, and the pile bore is filled with either concrete or grout.
2. SFA (Sectional Flight Auger) piling
When it is not possible to use a CFA rig – for instance, if there is not enough headroom it is possible to use SFA piling instead. Because of the size of the rigs employed, SFA piling is appropriate for areas with unobstructed ground conditions that have limited access or a low working height. SFA is also commonly used in all clear terrain situations, such as made-up land and areas with high water tables.
3. Bottom-driven mini piling
Bottom-driven mini piles are efficient and suitable for a wide range of terrain conditions. An internal drop hammer is used to force a closed-ended thin-walled steel tube onto a dry concrete plugin lengths ranging from 2 to 6 metres.
The tubes are then linked by a fillet weld until the pile is pushed to the desired length. The tubes are then filled with high concrete or grout and a single bar or cage is inserted.
Is mini piling the best option for your project?
Mini piling is usually the best option for domestic applications. It is also the best option in situations when piling must be done in a restricted location and for densely populated regions since it produces less noise and vibrations while still laying solid foundations. Mini piling has also been effectively employed for bigger constructions such as bridges, wind farms, and even skyscrapers.
For more information about our mini piling services or to send in your enquiry, get in touch with our expert team today.