FOUNDATIONS

FOUNDATIONS

1. PILES:

   • TIMBER:
     • inexpensive
       • easy to cut and splice
         • requires no special handling
           • maximum pile depth 33m
             • limited load carrying ability
               • pile ends may splinter under driving loads
                 • subject to insect attack and decay
   • PRE-CAST CONCRETE
     • manufactured in any desired shape and size: round, square and octagonal;
       • heaviest type
         • high strength and resistance to decay
           • brittleness of concrete and lack of tensile strength, require care in handling and driving to prevent pile damage
             • also during lifting because of the poor bending strength
               • cutting is an extensive exercise involving pneumatic hammers, cutting torches & special saws
   • CAST-IN-PLACE / CAST-IN-SITU
     • constructed by driving a steel shell into the ground
       • and then filling it up with concrete
         • shells sometimes pulled out
           • but normally left in place as additional reinforcement to the concrete
     • easy to handle, cut and splice
       • shells are light weight
         • all shells to be inspected before concrete filling
           • where piled into expansive soils, shells are to be filled as soon as possible after piling to prevent damage due to lateral soil pressure
   • STEEL
     • H-type and pipe-type piles
       • where the name indicates the shape of the pile section
         • capable of supporting heavy loads
           • can be driven to great depths without damage
             • easily cut/spliced
               • filled with concrete for additional strength
                 • high cost
   • COMPOSITE PILES
     • made up of two or more different materials
       • example timber and shell
         • where the timber is at such a level that it is not subject to decay
           • and the shell would be exposed to decay
   • BULB
     • also known as compacted concrete piles
       • Franki-piles
         • pressure injected footings.
           • A special type of cast-in-place concrete pile
             • in which an enlarged base or bulb is formed during driving
               • the enlarged base increases the effectiveness of the pile as an end bearing pile

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