TUBULAR STEEL PILE
(vibration free)

This type of pile is built up of steel tubes, which in combination with excavating are rotated or screwed or oscillated down to the correct depth. The pile is built up of sections approximately 2 m long, which are joined together by means of electric welding. The lower tubular section can be provided with a screw blade. When the pile is at the correct depth, an enlarged base is formed under the pile. The size of the base is adjusted to the bearing capacity required. The pile is filled with concrete and the top is finished off with a reinforcing cage. If necessary the pile can be reinforced along the whole length. The machine required for this pile system is completely dismountable and its dimensions are smaller than 700 mm so that it is possible to work inside a house or where access is limited. This vibration free method of installing tubular steel piles is used where pile-driving vibrations are not permitted. The advantages of this pile system are, for example the enlarged pile base which provides a good load-settlement relationship, comparable to that of a driven pile and the possibility of observing the shaft after the steel tube has been installed.



APPLICATIONS OF TUBULAR STEEL PILES (vibration free):
  • when work has to be carried out vibration free, such as in or near unstable structures or in the vicinity of equipment sensitive to vibrations;
  • when very compacted layers of sand are present making it impossible to use pile driving;
  • when the working height is limited;
  • in places which are difficult to reach, for example a cellar or basement;
  • where work has to be carried out at very low noise levels, for example in hospitals or schools;
  • it is possible to work without welding and without use of combustion engines (at danger of explosion);
  • as a casing tube for a hydraulic lift.



TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON TUBULAR STEEL PILES (vibration free):

  • Diameter of tubular steel sections: 133 mm, 168 mm, 219 mm, 273 mm, 324 mm, 355 mm, 406 mm, 457 mm,
    larger sizes are available on request;
  • Maximum diameter of pile base: 1.7 x diameter of tube;
  • The length of pile depends on the depth of the load bearing stratum; lengths of between up to 40 metres can be realised;
  • Grade of concrete: C20/25 of C25/30;
  • Reinforcement: at least the upper 2 m;
  • Maximum bearing capacity: 1000 kN;
  • Maximum rake: 5:1;
  • Length of tubular sections: adjusted to the working conditions;
  • If there is a danger of explosion, the pile sections can be joined together by means of a screwed connection instead of electric welding;
  • A minimum working height of 2 m is required. It is possible in special circumstances to work at lower heights;
  • Minimum access width: 0.6 m, depending on the pile dimensions and on the machinery required;
  • Monitoring and testing:
    The straightness of the pile can be checked by visually inspecting the inside of the steel tube. If necessary the founding level can be checked by taking soil samples from the hollow pile core.

Subject to alteration

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