Applications and Techniques
Ductile Piles
The Ductile Iron Piling System is a fast and effective method of forming high capacity driven tubular piles. The low displacement and vibration installation system generates no spoil. Ductile piles are prefabricated piles made of ductile cast iron that are available in a wide range of diameters and with different wall thicknesses. They are supplied in lengths of 5 to 6 meters but can be coupled endlessly to allow the production of piles of any length. Once installed to desired depth the pile is filled with concrete and capped. An enhanced skin friction and increased load bearing is achieved by surrounding the driven casing with concrete grout. Ductile piles are a light and very flexible piling system, which because of its low vibration and spoil generation is especially suited for the construction of small to medium size structures in restricted space or on contaminated grounds.
IMPLEMENTATION
The individual lengths of ductile pipes are provided with sleeves, which enable them to be coupled endlessly and thus to produce piles of any length. A hydraulic excavator with an attached hammer is used to sink the piles. A ram shoe is installed at the foot of the first pipe and then one pipe length after the other is installed until the project defined depth has been reached. To increase the pile load-bearing capacity and to absorb tensile loads, the pile jacket is commonly pressed into the surrounding subsoil during this sinking process and filled with concrete by pumping a cement suspension into the pile shaft and out of the openings in the ram shoe upwards along the jacket. After each pile has been completed a load distribution plate or cap is placed on the pile head. The ductile pile technique has proven a viable and economical solution for bearing piles and pile retaining walls.
BENEFITS
• High production outputs, limited plant and space requirements make it ideal for short program times, restricted access sites such as near existing structures or for retail redevelopment in live schemes.
• Light and flexible pile system suitable for a wide range of small to medium size new build piling for residential or commercial use.
• Its spoil free installation and high durability of the pile shafts enable installation even in highly contaminated grounds and guarantee long term safety.
