How much does piling cost?

Before you install a pile foundation, there is a planning process including managing the costs. The cost of piling in the UK can vary depending on various factors.

How much does piling cost? Is it expensive? Let’s discuss the main factors that can impact the cost of piling. Being aware of these factors can help you make more cost-effective decisions for your construction project.

5 Factors That Impact the Cost of Piling

The cost of piling can be impacted by the following 5 factors:

1. Project Size

The size and scope of the construction project will also influence the cost of piling. Larger projects with more extensive foundation requirements will naturally incur higher piling costs compared to smaller projects. This is due to the increased material and labour requirements, as well as the potential need for specialised equipment and techniques to accommodate the scale of the project. Similarly, the number of structures being built on the site, as well as their size and weight, will impact the piling costs.

2. Soil Conditions

The soil conditions at the construction site can also have a significant impact on the piling foundation cost. The type of soil, its density and any potential obstructions in the ground can all affect the difficulty and cost of piling. For instance, loose or unstable soil may require a piling mat or specialist piling techniques to ensure a stable foundation, resulting in higher costs. Likewise, the presence of underground utilities, rock formations, or water bodies can also affect the complexity and cost of piling.

3. Type of Piling

One of the most significant factors that can influence the cost of piling is the type of piling being used. There are several types of piling, including driven piles and bored piles, each with its own cost considerations.

Driven piles are the most commonly used type of piling. The cost of driven piles can vary depending on the material used, the length and diameter of the piles, as well as the equipment and labour required for installation. Bored piles, on the other hand, may require specialized equipment and skilled labour, which can impact the overall cost of piling.

4. Depth of Piles

The depth at which the piles need to be driven into the ground is another crucial factor that impacts piling costs. Shallow piles may be less expensive to install, while deep piles can significantly increase the overall cost due to the additional materials, labour and equipment required for deeper excavation and installation.

5. Site Accessibility

The accessibility of the construction site is another important factor to consider when estimating the cost of piling. If the site is difficult to access, such as being located in a remote area or having limited space for equipment and materials, the cost of transporting piling equipment and materials to the site can increase. Restricted access can also affect the efficiency of the piling process, leading to extended project timelines and additional costs.

Piling Cost Calculator

To calculate the piling cost per m2, you will need to consider a few key factors:

  • Total project cost
  • Length of piles used
  • Number of piles required

Once you have considered these key factors, you can estimate the piling cost per m2 by dividing the total project cost by the pile length multiplied by the number of piles.

sheet piles

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A leading UK ground engineering specialist, focusing on multi-discipline excellence and value engineering. We design and deliver some of the UK’s largest ground engineering projects.

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1947. Central Jutland, Denmark. Per Aarsleff borrowed 10,000 Danish Kroner from his father’s life insurance, bought an excavator, and founded Northern Europe’s leading contracting company.

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