Modern building has seen a growth in the demand for piled foundations. Initially, they were prevalent in areas with clay soils due to the ease of installation, but with the realisation of ‘future proofing’ and the greater ability for the foundations to be able to withstand unsuitable ground conditions, developers and engineers have seen the importance of piled foundations to sustain a building.
What are Piled Foundations?
Piled Foundations are very deep foundations. They are formed with long, thick vertical beams made from either Steel, Concrete or Timber. A Foundation is denoted as ‘Piled’ when its depth is more than 3 times its breadth.
What are the different types of Piled Foundations?
Driven: These are jacked, driven, and hammered into the ground, which disperses the material below to the side and below, instead of having to remove it.
Board: These are cylindrical concrete piles that are formed from the pouring of concrete into a pre-dug hole.
Screw: Screw Piles are long, usually steel anchors that drill deep into foundations, acting similarly to a screw into wood, making the foundations more secure.
When are Piled Foundations needed?
Piled Foundations are crucial for a project when the build is large and/or if the ground soil is weak, and their main use is to transfer the loads from structures onto the soil.
However, it has recently become an integral part of development as insurance firms may not offer insurance if buildings do not have piled foundations as it can be a risk.
Fortis Foundations are highly experienced and competent at installing Piled Foundations, no matter the project.
Speak to us today for more information about how we can help with your design needs.
Email: info@fortisfoundations.com
Phone: 01442 731 321