Piling work is the technique of laying deep foundations for a building, bridge or other structure. It’s a necessary construction process when the soil at the job site isn’t strong enough to support the required load at shallow depth.
Using piling work, a deep underground structural base is created, which in turn ensures that the construction work on top can take place without any issues with the foundations. Piling can be carried out in a number of different ways, depending on the requirements of the project and the available materials. It can be done by hand, but is often undertaken with the use of a specialist machine known as a pile driver. These machines hammer the piles into the ground, while also acting as a crane to lift heavy materials.
The cost of piling varies depending on the type of pile and the method used. For example, H-piles are a type of steel pile that provide a better distribution of the weight over a larger area, making them suitable for supporting taller structures like skyscrapers. On the other hand, concrete piles offer a higher design load capacity, and can be used in a range of applications.
Piles are made from a wide range of materials, including wood, steel and concrete. The material chosen depends on the conditions of the soil and the specific needs of the construction project. For instance, wood piles can be driven into the ground by hand and are often used to make jetties, but they require trees with exceptionally straight trunks.
Concrete piles are usually made from reinforced concrete and are used for a wide range of purposes. They can be designed to cope with both uplift and compression loads, making them suitable for many projects. In general, they can be constructed in a quicker time than other types of piles.
Another type of pile is the friction pile. These are driven into the ground and rely on the friction between the pile and the surrounding soil to hold the structure in place. They are usually used for projects in areas where pore water pressures are high, and the piles need to be able to dissipate quickly.
There are several routes to becoming a piling operative or rig driver, including completing a college course, undertaking an apprenticeship and working for a construction company as a groundworker. You may also be able to find jobs advertised on specialist websites that recruit for specific roles, such as piling operatives or rig drivers. The minimum requirement for most of these positions is a full driver’s licence and the ability to pass a health and safety check. In addition to this, you’ll need to be enthusiastic, willing to learn and able to follow instructions. You can also apply to be a self-employed piling operative and set your own rate of pay. However, it’s worth checking the terms and conditions of any self-employment contracts carefully to ensure that you are covered for all eventualities.
