Types of Bored Piling Equipment and Common Bored Piling Problems:
Bored Piling Equipment:
Bored piling is one of the most widely used foundation techniques in modern construction. It allows engineers to create deep, strong foundations capable of supporting heavy structures such as bridges, skyscrapers, and commercial complexes. The process involves drilling a hole into the ground, inserting reinforcement, and filling it with concrete to form a pile. While the technique is reliable and versatile, it requires specialised equipment and skilled handling. At the same time, several challenges and problems can arise during bored piling that need careful planning to prevent costly delays.
Types of Bored Piling Equipment:
The efficiency of bored piling largely depends on the choice of equipment. Different soil types, ground conditions, and project requirements call for specific machines. Here are the most common types of Bored Piling Equipment used in bored piling:
Rotary Drilling Rigs
Rotary drilling rigs are the backbone of bored piling operations. They use a rotating drill bit to cut into the ground, creating boreholes of various diameters and depths. Depending on the project, rigs can be mounted on crawler tracks or trucks for mobility. Rotary rigs are versatile and can handle a wide range of soil conditions, from soft clay to hard rock.
Auger Drills
Augers are helical screw blades that excavate soil as they rotate. They are often used for shallow piles and in areas with soft to medium soil conditions. Continuous Flight Augers (CFA) are particularly popular because they allow simultaneous drilling and concreting, reducing the risk of borehole collapse.
Bentonite Mixing and Circulation Systems
In cases where the soil is unstable, drilling fluids such as bentonite slurry are used to support the borehole walls. Specialised mixing plants and circulation systems are employed to prepare, pump, and recycle bentonite slurry. This ensures that the borehole remains stable until concrete is poured.
Casing Oscillators and Rotators
For projects in very loose soils or waterlogged conditions, steel casings are installed to support the borehole. Casing oscillators and rotators are machines that push and rotate these steel casings into the ground, ensuring the borehole remains intact during drilling.
Kelly Bars
Kelly bars are telescopic drilling rods used with rotary rigs. They allow the drill to reach significant depths while transmitting high torque. These are particularly useful in projects requiring deep foundation piles.
Cranes and Grab Buckets
Cranes equipped with grab buckets are used in diaphragm wall construction and sometimes in bored piling for removing excavated soil and debris. They are especially effective when dealing with boulders or stiff soil layers.
Tremie Pipes
Once the borehole is ready, tremie pipes are used for placing concrete at the bottom without causing segregation. These pipes are crucial when concreting under bentonite slurry or water.
Common Bored Piling Problems
Borehole Collapse
One of the most significant risks in bored piling is borehole collapse. This typically occurs in loose or waterlogged soils, where the walls of the borehole cannot remain intact. If casing or drilling fluid is not used correctly, the soil may cave in, leading to delays and wasted resources.
Incorrect Borehole Verticality
Maintaining vertical alignment is crucial for pile stability. Sometimes, drilling rigs deviate due to uneven ground or operator error, resulting in inclined boreholes. This misalignment can affect load-bearing capacity and compromise the structural foundation.
Concrete Segregation
When concrete is poured improperly—especially without using tremie pipes in wet conditions—it can segregate. This leads to weak sections in the pile, reducing overall strength and durability.
Blockages During Concreting
If soil, bentonite, or debris remains inside the borehole during concreting, blockages can occur. This prevents concrete from filling the entire space, creating voids or discontinuities in the pile.
Insufficient Cleaning of Borehole
After drilling, boreholes often contain loose soil or slurry at the bottom. If not cleaned thoroughly, this sediment weakens the pile base and reduces load-bearing capacity. Special tools or flushing methods are used to clean the borehole properly.
Excessive Water Ingress
In areas with a high water table, uncontrolled water inflow into the borehole can wash away concrete or dilute it. Using casings or bentonite slurry helps control this issue, but poor execution can still cause problems.
Reinforcement Cage Displacement
During concreting, reinforcement cages can shift from their intended position if not properly fixed. This leads to poor alignment, reducing the pile’s strength and effectiveness.
Equipment Failures
Breakdowns of rotary rigs, augers, or slurry systems can halt the project unexpectedly. Regular maintenance of equipment is essential to avoid costly downtime.
Variation in Pile Length or Diameter
Sometimes, piles may end up shorter or narrower than designed due to drilling errors, soil conditions, or premature stopping. Such inconsistencies can affect load distribution and compromise structural safety.
Conclusion:
By understanding both the types of bored piling equipment and the challenges commonly faced, project teams at Alpha Piling can plan more effectively, minimise risks, and deliver strong, reliable foundations for modern construction projects.
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