3 Considerations Before Underpinning Using Concrete Piles

People who are planning to install heavier machinery in a building may need to underpin the foundation of that building. This will help to prevent any foundation issues that can arise from that added load. Concrete piles are one of the methods that can be used to underpin a foundation. This article discusses some factors that should be weighed before using this method of underpinning.

The Driving Force

Installing concrete piles, especially driven piles, necessitates the use of a lot of force. That force used to drive the pile into the ground can cause a number of problems. For example, it can cause the building to develop structural cracks due to the immense vibrations created by the driving force. Secondly, the driving force can cause the ground to crack. A careful analysis needs to be conducted in order to make sure that the building and its surroundings will be safe during the installation process of the concrete piles. Precautionary measures can include driving the piles when the soil is wet so that the likelihood of cracking is reduced.

Logistical Challenges

Heavy equipment is usually needed to perform the task of driving the piles into the ground. Heavy equipment is also needed to drive shafts into the ground in order to make poured-on-site piles. It may be hard to take this heavy equipment to the installation site in case your building is located in a congested place. The area may also have strict noise control regulations that may make it hard to use that heavy equipment during the underpinning project. All these logistical challenges must be weighed before opting for concrete piles.

Time

The process of installing concrete piles is time-consuming. For example, you must account for the time needed for the poured-on-site piles to dry and harden before you can install the heavy machinery in your plant. Time can be of the essence in case inclement weather is expected around the time when you decide to install these piles. You should make sure that you plan the installation when you aren't pressed for time before the machinery arrives for installation.

Discuss your needs with an underpinning contractor. That professional will assess how suitable concrete piles are for your application. It may be necessary to select another underpinning alternative, such as mud-jacking or using screw piles. Consult several experts so that you can get the best advice regarding the most cost-effective way to give your building an enhanced load-bearing capacity.

For more information, contact a business such as Jeffrey Hills and Associates.