Deep foundation piling refers to the process of inserting long stilts or piles into the earth to transfer the weight below the soft topsoil and provide stability for a structure or construction. Piling is needed when the top layer of soil is not able to handle the load of a building or structure. The piles work by transferring the load of the structure to a stronger layer of earth or rock deep below the surface, or to the surrounding soil via friction.
Which Soils Require Deep Piling?
Fine-grained soiled, such as those which have an excessively high silt or clay content, are classified as weak soils when it comes to construction. These soils are incredibly soft and, due to the fine particles within them, are very prone to moving, squashing, and shifting under weight. They will collapse more easily than coarse soils, and, over time, will certainly sink under the weight of a pileless construction.
Some coarse-grained soils, like sandy soils, are much stronger and less prone to shifting, but often their high organic content means that they are still not strong enough to support traditional foundations.
What Should You Do About The Soil At Your Construction Site?
No matter what your construction project is planning to build, it is vital that you conduct a full survey of the surrounding earth to determine the soil quality and the risk of subsidence your structure faces. If this survey shows weak or unstable soils, then deep foundation piling may provide the answers you seek!
If your project has already been long since completed, do not fret. Mini piling and underpinning can both be used to reinforce, repair, or replace existing piled foundations. So, if your home or business is suffering from subsidence, or surrounding soil conditions have changed and your structure now requires additional support, then a deep piling solution may be perfect for your needs.
If you are looking at having some piling foundations or underpinning done on a project you are involved in, then make sure to check out Rhino Piling. Amongst our team we have over 100 years’ worth of experience in piling, so no job is too large or too small. Get in touch today for a full on-site evaluation.
