Abstract
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High strength precast spun concrete piles have an economical advantage over conventional solid concrete friction piles in terms of quality, Strength and speed of construction. Moreover, these piles are best suited where there is no requirement of high shear and tension resistance and less active seismic zones where load transfer is envisaged through skin friction.
Introduction
TCE has been providing detail engineering services for green and brown field projects which include ISBL, OSBL and Infrastructure facilities. As part of detail engineering services, TCE studies soil parameters and recommends most appropriate foundation solution.
On one of the ongoing project overseas, after completing the soil investigation, it was observed that load carrying capacity of the soil is very poor as compared to the load of the building. Depending upon the soil parameters, N-values and Bore log data, friction piles were recommended by TCE for foundation system.
Type of Friction Piles
Since the superstructure load is being transferred to ground using friction between soil and concrete surface, TCE recommended adopting Pre-cast (pre-stressed) spun concrete pipes as friction piles. Moreover, the site is located in non-seismic active zone and there was no requirement of high shear and tension resistance, which is most conducive site condition to adopt high strength, pre-tensioned spun concrete pile foundation. The pile capacities worked out considering ultimate skin friction and ultimate end bearing with factor of safety.
Pre-stressed Concrete Circular Spun Piles are used all over the world especially in south east Asia. High strength precast spun concrete piles has an edge over piles that are cast at site in terms of superior quality and strength. The centrifugal compaction process is used to manufacture these piles ensuring uniform quality & strength using of higher grade of concrete such as M50, M60, M80, etc.
These piles can be manufactured in any length (Max length 12m) as per the design. The steel end plates are provided in each length of pile manufactured for splice connection of two lengths. Moreover, these piles can be driven with using conventional hammer and hence need for any special driving tool is eliminated.
High Strength Precast Spun Concrete Friction Piles
High strength precast spun concrete piles are shop manufactured and tested under strict quality control. After casting, the piles are cured using steam. When the concrete reaches the desired strength, the piles are de-shuttered and tested for quality compliance. The piles can be transported to site after ensuring quality compliance for driving at locations as marked in the construction drawing. Piles can be transported after a week after completing all the quality checks.
These piles are driven using environment friendly tool such as hydraulic jacking equipment which is less noise & air polluting and produces less vibration during the driving of the piles.
Pre-stressed concrete provides higher bending moment capacity compared to conventional reinforced concrete piles e.g. minimum concrete strength at transfer of pre-stress is 30 N/sq.mm at 28 days – Grade 80 pile 80 N/sq.mm.
Refer Fig-1 for starter and extension pile along-with salient features. The starter pile is the lowermost part of the pile length that is driven first and then the required length of pile is achieved using extension piles. Depending upon the depth to be achieved below ground, the lengths of these portions are decided.
Fig-1: Starter and Extension Pile
Comparison of Cast in-situ Concrete and High Strength Precast Spun Concrete Pile
Sr. No Description Precast Spun pile Cast in-situ pile 1 Piling Schedule Approx. 10 piles per day with using one rig; so saving in approx. 20 to 25% cost Approx. 2 to 3 piles per day with one rig 2 Integrity test Each pile is factory tested with high quality control and hence no need to conduct pile integrity test at site. Pile integrity test needed for every pile at site after installation. 3 Strength Higher load carrying capacity due to higher strength than cast in-situ piles, Lesser strength than precast spun concrete pile 4 Environment Protection Maximum site cleanliness as pile boring is avoided Due to in-situ pile boring activities, site is messy.For the on-going project, contractor has driven 380 piles (out of total 439) in 30 days using two rigs working in tandem i.e. average 13 piles per day.
Bonding Piles in-to Pile-Cap: The spun pile and Pile cap are bonded together with the help of in-situ concrete plug as shown in the Fig.2 below. The pile need not to be stripped down to expose the bars for bonding it with pile cap. Such provision of in-situ concrete plug serves better for transferring the vertical load from pile cap to pile. This arrangement is suitable where lateral loads acting on the structure are insignificant.
In construction, the success of a project doesn't rely on an elegant design or a magnificent structure but also on a solid and stable foundation. Hence, the spun pile plays an important role in ensuring the safety and durability of building structures.
In this article, we will discuss the spun pile, including its functions, advantages, and types, ranging from wood to concrete. Let's learn more about it here!
A spun pile is a tool that provides stability and strength to the building structure. It binds the building to the ground or rock surface, ensuring the building does not shift or collapse.
The spun pile has a long and cylindrical shape with pointed ends. Its pointed shape at the end plants the pile into the ground.
Spun piles are often used as foundations in various constructions, such as toll road structures, buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. For example, spun piles are planted in the ground to provide strong support, making the fence not easily wobble or collapse when receiving pressure.
Likewise, spun piles are used as supports when building staircases, ensuring the structure remains sturdy and safe.
As mentioned above, the spun pile helps provide stability and strength to the building structure. The detailed explanation of its functions is as follows:
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Spun piles have several advantages that make them an important component in the construction structure. They're made of steel or concrete, which helps them withstand the pressure and large loads of the building structure.
Spun piles are also available in several forms, such as wooden, steel, and concrete. This allows contractors to choose the type most suitable for their project.
Along with their availability, spun piles are known for their stability. They can prevent shifting or collapse, ensuring buildings stand firmly for many years.
Furthermore, spun piles help minimize the risk of damage. With their ability to withstand loads and dampen vibrations, they can reduce the risk of damage to the building structure. This will extend the lifespan of the building and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Last but not least, spun piles are durable materials in various conditions. Even when used in slightly risky soil, a spun pile can still prove to be a reliable element.
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If you wonder what various spun pile types are made of, read the following explanation:
People often choose wooden spun piles because of their wide availability and affordable price. The installation requires simple tools like a hammer. Hence, the wooden spun pile is an ideal choice for temporary or light construction projects.
However, wooden-spun piles tend to have a low resistance to weather and pest attacks, such as termites. This characteristic makes them less suitable for either long-term projects or projects with heavy loads.
Steel-spun piles are the top choice for permanent construction projects or projects with heavy loads. They have high strength and are resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for building foundations, main structures, or fences.
However, steel-spun piles tend to be more expensive than wooden ones. You also need additional, heavier tools to install them. That said, this investment is worth the long-term reliability.
This product is characterized by long poles with sizes varying from 6 to 24 meters, circular with a cavity in the middle that is between 300 mm and mm in diameter.
As a prestressed product, it can transmit vertical and horizontal loads to the ground.
Spun piles can be used in almost all types of soil and can withstand loads with a capacity of up to 800 tons.
Concrete spun piles can benefit the construction of high-rise building structures, bridges, docks, and overpasses. For concrete quality, spun piles fall into the high concrete quality category up to K-500.
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Geotechnics is a branch of civil engineering that studies the properties of soil and rock. In construction projects, geotechnical analysis helps determine the right type of spun pile. Soil strength, density, and moisture affect the selection and installation of a spun pile.
Soft soils require longer or stronger spun piles, such as those made of steel or concrete. On the other hand, hard soils may require special installation techniques and heavy equipment. In addition, environmental factors such as groundwater and earthquake risk should also be considered. For example, concrete spun piles are most suited in earthquake-prone areas as they can withstand vibrations well.
Once installed, spun piles require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly. Wooden spun piles need a thorough inspection to ensure there is no damage from pests or weathering. If you find any damages, you should replace the spun pile or repair it immediately.
A regular check for steel-spun piles can help detect signs of corrosion. If there is corrosion, you need to perform the anti-rust coating treatment. Meanwhile, concrete spun pile maintenance includes checking for cracks or structural damage. When you find damages, repair the spun pile immediately to prevent further damage.
With proper maintenance, spun piles can provide reliable and durable support for buildings, reduce the risk of structural failure, and ensure the safety and stability of buildings in the long run.
That was all about spun piles, their functions, advantages, and types. When selecting building materials, you should pay attention to the quality. Aside from spun piles, another construction material that can build a stronger structure is cement.
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