Piling Due to the Presence of Clay and Nearby Trees

THE CHALLENGE

We recently completed a domestic piling project for a home extension in Stockport, Manchester, where our team expertly tackled the challenges of clay soil and nearby tree roots, both of which have the potential to contribute to soil heave. Soil heave can cause significant foundation issues, but by taking a proactive approach, we ensured the stability of the foundation and prevented costly repairs. Identifying potential risks early on, such as shifting soil and nearby tree influence, allowed us to design and implement an effective piling solution tailored to the site’s unique conditions. Our careful planning and expertise ensured the project’s success, despite the challenging ground conditions.

WHAT WE DID

Pre-Auger and Slip Sleeve Installation
We began by pre-augering the site. This process involved pre-augering holes to allow for the installation of the slip sleeves, this also helps prevent any unforeseen obstructions and ensuring a smooth installation. The slip sleeve goes around the outside of the pile and if the clay soil moves up or down the slip sleeve will move with the clay but the pile will not move with the slip sleeve which also means the foundation will not move either.

Piling
Following the pre-augering process, we installed 5 x 150mm steel-cased piles. Each pile was driven to a depth of up to 6 metres, providing a stable and secure foundation for the structure. The piles were positioned to avoid interference with any surrounding elements and to ensure the foundation was strong and stable, even with the presence of expansive clay soil and nearby trees that could cause soil heave.

Heave Protection Installation
To protect against potential soil movement caused by seasonal changes, we installed 12 metres of heave protection. This system acts as a barrier against ground heave, which occurs when clay soil expands and contracts with moisture levels. The heave protection ensures that the foundation remains stable throughout the year, allowing for natural soil movement without damaging the structure. This is particularly important in areas with expansive clay, where ground shrinkage and swelling can lead to shifting and cracking.

Steel Ring Beam Installation
For added structural support, we prefabricated 12 metres of steel ring beam off-site for increased efficiency. Once the piling and heave protection were in place, the steel ring beam was carefully installed directly on top of the piles. This reinforced steel framework distributes the weight of the structure evenly across the foundation, ensuring long-term stability even in areas where ground movement might occur.

Concrete Installation
With ease of access to the site, our sister company Rhino Concrete efficiently used wheelbarrows to place 2.5 cubic metres of C35 concrete precisely where it was needed. This method allowed us to quickly transport and pour the concrete with minimal disruption to the surrounding area, ensuring a clean and accurate installation. The expertise of our team ensured the process was fast and efficient, delivering a high-strength C35 concrete that is durable and resilient for supporting the weight of the new structure.

THE OUTCOME

Thanks to our proactive planning and precise execution, the project was completed smoothly and on time. By adjusting our piling method to account for the challenging clay soil and nearby trees, we ensured the foundation remained stable and protected against soil heave. The careful installation of heave protection further safeguarded the structure from seasonal soil movement. This project highlighted the importance of early preparation and strategic planning, helping us avoid potential risks and ensuring a successful, cost-effective solution for the homeowner.

Phone: 0161 706 0365 | Email: enquiries@rhinopiling.co.uk

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