Piling - Getting it Right

Piling is one of the most important elements when it comes to preparing a construction site.

Building a new structure, or re-building an existing structure is a complex business, and it makes sense for contractors to get things right first time. Mistakes and oversights cost a lot of money and careful survey and analysis of the site is important if you want to get things right first time. The choice of piling technology is key to a successful build.

When you need piling technology

If you’re preparing a site for a new building – from a residential home to a skyscraper – you need to take into consideration what you’re building and the type of land you’re building on. The soil, sub-soil and ground beneath your building will vary from site to site and if you fail to give your building the correct foundations, you could place it and those who live or work inside it in danger. Piling is often used to provide deep, strong foundations where the ground is variable or could be prone to disturbance:

• Mining areas – although mine tunnels can be deep underground, the process of creating the mines, together with the stresses on the ground above caused by blasting or just general soil shift can create an unstable foundation. Construction companies use piling technology to give buildings a firm basis.
• Large buildings – the engineering skill and knowledge required to build skyscrapers, bridges and other large constructions is impressive. Every little details needs to be taking into consideration, and piling is no exception. Piling experts need to survey the area and make recommendations about the type and amount of piling required in order to make the project successful. For particularly challenging buildings, more than one type of piling may be required.
• Water-based construction – for piers, docks and platforms, specialist piling is needed to ensure that the construction is safely founded on the sea-bed or river-bed. Particular piling methods are used depending on the depth of the water and the nature of the construction.
• Mini-piling – not all piling is focused on large and difficult buildings. Mini-piling systems are used to help underpin buildings that are experiencing subsidence, or need re-enforcement so that additional storeys can be added. Using survey equipment on a pre-build site inspection will show what type of piling is most suitable for the construction.

Piling is a common aspect of construction projects and it’s important to get it right first time. Undertaking a full survey and talking to piling experts about the options available – not just for the nature of the piling itself but also what equipment is best for the piling solution you need – will help you to save time and ensure that your project gets off on the right foot.

Groundforce is one of the UK’s leading suppliers to the construction industry and offers everything from survey equipment to formwork, piling equipment and stoppers. Groundforce boasts over 20 years of experience in the construction field and prides itself on an enviable portfolio of products and services. Groundforce also offers a comprehensive technical support service for its survey equipment and variety of products and services. To find out more about the formwork, piling equipment and range of services on offer from Groundforce, just call 0800 000 345 or email groundforce@vpplc.com.