House Piling
What is House Piling?
House piling is a construction method used to support buildings when the ground beneath is too weak to bear the structure’s weight using traditional shallow foundations. The process involves driving or boring long, slender columns, known as piles, deep into the earth until they reach stable soil or rock layers. These piles can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, steel, or timber.
Piles transfer the load of the house from the unstable upper layers of soil down to the firmer strata below. As a result, piling foundations for houses provide a much more secure base, especially in areas with clay soils, loose sands, or where groundwater is prevalent.
Why Are Piling Foundations for Houses Important?
Piling foundations for houses offer a reliable solution. Here’s why piling is important:
- Load-bearing Capacity – Piles reach deep, stable ground layers that can bear the structural load of a building, preventing subsidence or uneven settlement.
- Adaptability – House piling works well across a variety of terrains and soil types, making it ideal for sites with poor or unpredictable ground conditions.
- Minimised Site Disruption – Piling causes less ground disturbance compared to large-scale excavation, which can be essential in densely built or environmentally sensitive areas.
- Longevity – Piled foundations are incredibly durable, offering peace of mind for decades.
- Retrofitting Capabilities – Piling isn’t just for new builds, it can be used to reinforce or underpin existing homes that are showing signs of structural movement.
House Piling Methods
Different housing projects call for different piling methods. The most common types of piles used by residential foundation contractors are:
- Driven Piles – These piles are pre-formed and hammered into the ground using a pile driver or piling rig. They can be made of concrete, steel, or timber. Driven piles are ideal when fast installation and high load-bearing capacity are required. However, the process can be noisy and may cause vibrations.
- Bored Piles (Drilled Piles) – Bored piles involve drilling a hole into the ground and filling it with concrete. This method is quieter and causes less vibration, making it suitable for residential areas. It’s often used where noise control or proximity to existing structures is a concern.
- Screw Piles – These are steel piles with a helical (screw-like) blade at the tip, twisted into the ground with a hydraulic motor. Screw piles are particularly useful for lightweight structures and where access is limited.
- Mini Piles (Micro Piles) – These are smaller diameter piles, often used for underpinning existing buildings or in areas with limited space. Mini piling is an efficient option when access is restricted or when working inside existing structures.
- Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) Piles – CFA piling combines the drilling and concreting processes, making it faster and less disruptive. It’s a common method in modern house piling projects where speed and precision are priorities.
Key Considerations for House Piling
Before constructing piling foundations for houses, there are several factors to evaluate to ensure the success and cost-effectiveness of your project:
- Soil Type – A geotechnical survey is crucial for understanding the ground conditions. This data helps determine the most suitable piling method and the required depth and load capacity.
- Building Load Requirements – Larger or heavier homes, especially those with multiple floors or basements, will demand more robust piling solutions.
- Site Access – Urban or built-up locations can restrict the type of machinery and piles that can be used. Mini piling or screw piling may be better suited in such scenarios.
- Environmental and Noise Restrictions – Noise and vibration may be a concern in residential areas. Choosing low-impact methods like bored or CFA piling can help comply with local regulations.
- Budget and Timeline – Different methods come with varying costs and timeframes. Early consultation with residential foundation contractors helps align the approach with your project’s budget and schedule.
An Example of a Residential Project
Between October 2022 and January 2024, Countryside Properties developed a major scheme in the Highbridge area of Somerset to facilitate a range of 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes. Aarsleff Ground Engineering was appointed the design and build contract for the installation of 1,436 250 sq mm driven precast concrete piles. The piles served as foundations for the new homes.
The four site visits were coordinated to ensure that the overall project programme was well maintained without causing delays or impacting subsequent trades.
As Aarsleff managed their own supply chain, their ability to offer just-in-time delivery of piles to the site ensured that programmes could be managed effectively without the need for large storage areas on site.
Why Choose Aarsleff for Residential Projects?
With decades of experience as a residential foundation contractor, Aarsleff is a trusted name in installing piles for private and public sector housing schemes, student accommodation, nursing and care homes, and assisted living developments.
From king post walls to sheet piling, we offer a wide range of geotechnical solutions, tailored to the specific needs of each residential project. We also invest in the latest piling machinery and training to ensure efficient, safe, and precise installations, even in the most challenging environments.
Our predominantly precast, reinforced concrete piles are manufactured by our sister company, Centrum Pile Ltd. This allows us to offer our clients a quality-tested product and a sustainable option that generates no spoil.
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