Piling is the process of installing deep foundations for a construction project or preexisting building by placing long pipes or girders vertically into the ground underneath the structure. Doing this helps in establishing a strong and reliable foundation for the building. Piling as a method of foundation building was invented in the 1800s by Alexander Mitchell, a blind Irish civil engineer. Since then, piling has grown to incorporate a wide variety of materials and techniques designed to suit differing terrains, types of earth, and building sizes. One (relatively) recent addition came about in the 1950s: mini piling.
Mini piles – sometimes called micro piles – are, as you might expect, smaller versions of the hefty pipes or logs used in traditional piling. Mini piling was invented in Italy in the post-war period in direct response to the significant damage caused to prominent buildings in World War II. Mini piling employs the use of far narrower piles reinforced with concrete. Mini piles can be driven or screwed into the earth, depending on the project, and can reach depths of up to 200ft and bear over 200 tons.
So what benefits can mini piling offer?
Smaller and lighter
First and foremost, the smaller nature of mini piles makes them quicker and cheaper to make and transport, and easier to haul to remote sites, sites with difficult ground conditions, or sites with limited room for manoeuvring.
Versatile and adaptable
Due to their smaller size and lower weight, mini piles are much more suitable for adapting to uneven terrain, making them perfect for reinforcement on slopes or embankments and areas with high seismic activity. They’re also excellent for reinforcing or repairing existing foundation structures, true to their origins!
Relatively inexpensive
Mini piles are cheaper to manufacture, transport and install than their traditional larger counterparts. This means most projects could see some economic benefit from opting for mini piling over full-sized! This benefit will be more significant for construction in more difficult regions as costs can be saved at every step of the process.
Mini piles aren’t suitable for every project, but they are worth considering if just for the financial benefit alone! When considered along with quicker and smoother transport and installation, the benefits of mini piling are easy to see! Are mini piles right for your construction project? Get in touch with Rhino Piling today for a full on-site evaluation, and the best piling services Manchester has to offer!
