Deep foundation piling – the process of installing long support stilts within the foundations of a building – is vital for all large construction projects and heavy structures, to ensure stability and prevention of subsidence. But whether or not to pile your site is only the first decision to make! There are countless piling options available on the market today, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Today we’ll be looking at the differences between pre-cast piling and cast-in-situ piling, and discussing the advantages of each.
Pre-Cast Piling
The term ‘pre-cast piling’ or ‘pre-cast piles’ is referring specifically to the use of concrete piles that have been measured, moulded, and set in advance before being transported to the construction site to be installed. This is where the name ‘pre-cast’ originates, referring to the concrete being cast before the pile is inserted into the foundations. Pre-cast piles come with the advantages of being prepared well in advance, allowing for a quick piling process, being easily inspectable in bulk for inconsistencies, and being able to be installed underwater. However, they also come with a much more taxing transportation job than their cast-in-situ counterparts, and if they require lengthening on-site they may suffer from a weak point. Pre-cast piles also require driving into the ground forcefully, this may damage the pile, as well as creating noise pollution and vibrations that may be unsuitable for urban or residential areas.
Cast-In-Situ Piling
Cast-in-situ piles are the opposite of pre-cast piles. Cast-in-situ piling is the use of concrete piles that are created on-site and in-place (or in-situ) by pouring liquid concrete into a metal tube in a deep hole bored to the precise length of the required pile. This sometimes involves the use of a steel cage to reinforce the concrete after it sets, and there is the option to leave the metal shell in place to provide further reinforcement if necessary. Cast-in-situ piles have much lower transportation and manufacturing costs as the pile is created on-site from liquid concrete, and the pile cannot be damaged by the driving process. However, cast-in-situ piling requires much more space on-site for materials and storage, and installation where there is running groundwater can be very difficult.
If you’re looking to hire a piling company to help with your latest piling project, we can help! Our expert team has over 100 years’ of collective experience, and we begin every new enquiry with a full on-site evaluation. For more information, get in touch today!
