Piling is a versatile foundational solution that can be adapted depending on the needs of a particular project, and one aspect that can make a significant difference is the material that is used in order to construct the pile supports. Whilst steel is a popular option for structures that have a large load, such as skyscrapers, concrete offers a more affordable and faster approach. Read on as we go over three reasons why concrete piles make such an effective material in the piling industry…
- Versatile
Although piling itself is quite a versatile method, concrete also offers its own versatility as a material that can be utilised in order to craft the piles. After all, there are two different ways that they can be applied to a project, known as precast or cast-in-situ concrete piles. The former involves manufacturing the piles ahead of time which can reduce the time spent on-site whereas the latter allows the piles to be made on-site by pouring grout into a steel casing for a more accurate installation. As always, both approaches come with set pros and cons.
- Affordable
A foundation is a hefty investment which means that homeowners often want to save money wherever they can. Concrete piles are a lot more economical than steel because the material is versatile which provides flexibility for construction workers and the piles are often easier to transport and install. As such, it is generally thought that concrete piles are an affordable piling material depending on the specific requirements of a project.
- High Load Bearing Capacity
There is a common misconception that concrete piles lack the strength to be able to support industrial builds, however when piling is carried out correctly the weight bearing capacity of concrete may surprise you. In fact, the most common structures that bear a concrete piled foundation are bridges, oil-rigs and floating airports which emphasises the sheer strength of concrete as both a commercial and residential piling material.
It is often said that concrete is the most adaptable material that can be used in piling foundations as the piles themselves can be constructed either on-site or off-site depending on the project in question, reducing labour time and construction costs. With this said, there are certain criteria that need to be met in order for concrete piles to be given the go ahead which are typically ascertained as part of an on-site evaluation. To find out whether concrete piles are the right approach for your piling project, get in contact with the best piling Manchester has to offer and speak to a member of the Rhino Piling team today!
