What is Mini Piling? Types, Applications, and Differences from Piling

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What Is Mini-Piling?

Mini piling or micro piling is a construction technique used in small buildings, or areas where regular piling is not a practical option. This method of foundation construction is also similar to regular piling, but on a smaller scale.

In mini piling Birmingham projects, the piles used are much smaller in diameter and length than the regular piles, usually ranging between 100 and 400 mm. These piles are perfect for small infrastructures and limited access areas..

What are Mini Piles?

Mini piles are a specified type of piles that are shorter in diameter and length than standard piles. They are often made of steel alloys. They are installed in areas with limited space and smaller infrastructure, which can be both domestic or commercial.

They are affordable and easy to install. Despite being smaller in size, mini piles still provide a strong foundation that is reliable and effective.

Difference between Piling and Mini Piling

The main difference between piling and mini piling is their scope of use, and applications. Traditional piling is used in heavy infrastructure and requires heavy machinery. On the other hand, mini piling used in the residential or commercial sector, is easy to install and doesn’t require heavy machinery.

Mini piling is a more versatile and affordable option, especially in challenging working sites with less space.

Types of Mini Piles

Mini piles are divided into different categories based on their installation method. The most common mini piles used are

Bottom-Driven Piles

These are steel-cased piles driven into the ground using hydraulic hammer or vibratory motors. Often used in urban settings where the maneuverability is limited.

Top-Driven Piles

In these, the force is applied from the top using a hammer or a drop weight. They are made up of steel or concrete.

Drill Bar Piles

These piles are installed by forming a continuous bore into the ground using a drill bar. After the bore is formed, the pile is installed into it.

Screw Piles

These are steel shafts combined with helical plates, they are installed by screwing them into the ground. They are easy to install, and their load transfer capacity is also ideal.

Micro Piles

Micro piles are the type of piles that are smaller than 300 mm in diameter. Often used in domestic and residential buildings.

Installation of Mini Piles

The step-by-step process of installing mini piles is

Drilling the Borehole

The process begins by drilling a borehole into the ground using special drilling equipment. The size and length of the hole depend on the type of pile being used, its design, and load calculations. Once the hole is drilled, it is filled with grout that prevents the borehole from collapsing.

Reinforcement

After the hole is formed, a steel reinforcement is installed in the hole. It can be a solid steel threaded bar or a rebar cage. The reinforcement provides the pile with the necessary strength to resist compression, and in mini piling Surrey projects, this step is crucial to ensure durability and stability of the foundation.

Grouting

After reinforcement, the hole is filled with the concrete grout. Grout is a mixture of cement, water, and additives. This helps the pile to strengthen its base and bond with the surrounding soil, and enhances its weight-bearing capacity.

Curing and Testing

After the grout is installed, the hole is left to cure for a designated period of time. It allows grout to harden and gain strength.

Once cured, load testing is conducted on specific piles to evaluate their load-bearing capacity.

Benefits of Mini Piling

Mini piling offers several advantages, such as

It is suitable for sites with limited area and access.
Cause minimum noise and vibration during installation. And quicker than regular piling
It is suitable for a variety of soil conditions
Uses light machinery and minimum excavation.
It provides a strong base and reliable support to the structure.

Applications of Mini Piling

Underpinning and Strengthening: Mini piles can be used in existing structures to strengthen their foundations by providing additional support.

Foundation Strength: Mini piles are used to reinforce the foundation of the building, which has limited access. Mainly used in residential buildings.

Urban and Sensitive Areas: Mini piling is ideal for urban and busy areas where minimal excavation and digging are the primary goals. These spaces also require the use of light machinery.

Retaining Walls and Slopes: Mini piling provides additional support to the existing walls, and prevents them from corrosion and eventual collapse.

New Build Foundation: Mini piles serve as a replacement for traditional footings, and foundation during construction in challenging areas. Mainly in the areas having unstable soil, and water logging.

Temporary Foundation: Mini piles are also used as foundation for temporary structures during constructions.