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DRILLED PIERS

Drilled Piers are installed by extending an open shaft excavation through undesirable soil strata, to a desired soil bearing elevation. Drilled Piers are constructed by advancing a power driven auger to the desired elevation. Temporary casing is used when needed to keep the excavation open through caving (non-cohesive) soil strata.

Upon reaching the bearing elevation, the bearing capacity of the soil is verified by an independent soil consultant from auger cuttings, which are brought to the ground surface.

DRILLED PIERS can either be straight shafts or belled bottom. Belled bottoms are installed entirely in cohesive soils. Belled bottoms are physically restricted to being no more than three (3) times the size of the shaft.

Typical caisson sizes start at 24" and increase in 6" increments.

AUGERED CAST-IN-PLACE PILING (ACIP) Piling

Piles are constructed by rotating a continuous flight hollow-shaft auger driven by hydraulic power to the depth specified. As the earth filled auger is withdrawn, grout is pumped through the auger and out a port in the bottom of the auger, forming a pile of the specified length and diameter. Because of the pressure exerted on the grout, it tends to consolidate or densify the surrounding soil, thus actually increasing the frictional bearing capacity of the soils.

When the pile is completed to drilling grade, the pile cutoff is obtained by removing fresh grout before initial set has occurred. The pile reinforcing is installed after grouting the pile. Optionally, a single full-length straight rebar can be installed through the center of the hollow-shaft auger prior to grouting. Typical ACIP pile sizes are 12", 14", 16", 18" and 24" in diameter.

DRIVEN PILING

Steel piles ("H" section or Pipe pile) may be driven to support the design load by using the end bearing soil capacity, soil skin friction (along the length of the pile), or a combination of both soil skin friction and end bearing values. These piles are typically installed through the use of a pile hammer (diesel or air powered) or by a vibratory hammer. Steel Piles may be driven in various lengths. Additional length, if required, can be welded on top of the previously driven section. Steel piles may be utilized more readily than other types of deep foundations in situations where height restrictions limit the length of piles that may be driven in one piece. Steel pipe piles can be installed open ended or closed. Closed ended pipe piles can be filled with concrete upon completion of driving, if specified.

DRIVEN SHEETING

Sheet piling is used primarily to retain or support the earth. Sheet piles can be fabricated in various sections and lengths with specific design properties. Sheet piles are typically installed through the use of a pile hammer (diesel or air powered) or by a vibratory hammer. Depending upon the intended design of the sheet piling, sheet piles can be cantilevered or retained by bracing or tieback anchors. Sheet piles are typically permanent installations, however some sheeting systems can be retrieved after their intended use.

RETENTION SYSTEMS

There are various systems that can be designed for retention of soil and structures. Each project retention system is unique; therefore feel free to contact Blackhawk Foundation Company for possible solutions.