Concrete piles are a form of foundation used in structures that need water-tight shells. They are made with cement concrete and casings. These are cast in horizontal and vertical forms.
They are designed to withstand pressure from the ground as well as the stresses incurred during driving. These types of foundations can be found in bridges, high-rise structures, and water tanks. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
Firstly, you need to know about the different types of piles. For instance, there are under-reamed piles, which are designed to eliminate the need for backfilling. There are also cased and uncased cast-in-place piles. Under-reamed piles are usually more economical than cased piles, but the installation can be quite time consuming.
Cased concrete piles are manufactured in a factory. After they are placed in the ground, they need to be cured for at least 21 to 28 days. You can get precast piles from many building supply stores. In order to prevent breakage during transportation, they are strengthened by steel bars. The final step is to pour the concrete in the casing.
Uncased piles are less expensive but require skillful personnel and are susceptible to damage from the ground. Compared to cased piles, they cannot be inspected after they are installed. Furthermore, they are vulnerable to damage from the subsoil. This makes them a less preferred option.
In the first stage, a steel casing with a core is driven into the soil. Once the desired depth is reached, the steel casing is removed and concrete is poured into the hole. This process is repeated until the pile is completed.
Once the pile is complete, it is cured in a curing tank. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying the concrete. During the curing period, the surface of the pile should be kept clean and dry. If the surface is dirty, the concrete may crack or the pile will not be suitable for use.
Lastly, the pile should be tapped straight. You should also make sure that the rim of the steel tube slides over the top edge of the base. Otherwise, the concrete can cause serious injury. J-bolts should be installed at the top of the piling.
To avoid damage to the reinforcing steel, it is recommended that you check for minor spalls. Those that are less than an inch in depth should be cleaned and coated with neat epoxy. Alternatively, you can install clamps to fix the damaged areas. But if the damage is too big, the pile will not be able to be used.
If you want to learn more about concrete piles, you can go online to find information. You can also consult a professional. Despite the disadvantages, these piles are quite efficient and can be constructed at a fraction of the cost of other foundations.
Cast-in-place piles are more popular than precast piles because they are easier to handle. When you are working on a project, it is important to ensure that the piles are available on short notice. Otherwise, you might have to delay the job and risk delays in your construction schedule.
