ForceTec

Micropiles - Uses and Applications

What are Micropiles?

Micropiles, also known as minipiles, are small-diameter (up to 300 mm), bored, cast-in-situ deep foundation elements, that transfer compression, tension or alternating loads to the surrounding soil mainly through skin friction. Micropiles can transfer relatively significant axial loads and moderate lateral loads.

While the conventional drilled cast-in-situ pile uses reinforced concrete to resist applied loads, micropiles rely on high strength steel elements. Steel pipes, high strength fully threaded bars and self-drilling hollow bars are used for constructing micropiles.

History of Micropiles

Known as root piles when it was conceived in Italy in the early 1950s for underpinning historic buildings and monuments that were damaged during World War II and deteriorated over time, micropiles gained popularity in Europe in the 70s & later in United States after mid-80s.

Micropiles Applications

As the drilling and grouting equipment for micropiles installation is relatively small, micropiles are typically used for underpinning of existing foundations, areas with limited access, low head rooms and above steep slope. They are commonly used for seismic retrofitting and in-situ reinforcement including embankment and slope stabilization. As the drilling and grouting procedure of micropiles causes minimal vibration and noise, it is best suited to use next to existing structures and in urban areas. Micropiles are widely used for applications in difficult and unpredictable ground conditions and karstic formations. Due to less spoil generated compared to conventional bored piles, micropiles are preferred in hazardous and contaminated soils.

Corrosion Protection Systems

Based on performance life expectations, micropiles can be classified into temporary (up to 2 years), semi-permanent (2 to 7 years) or permanent (more than 7 years). Depending on the soil and ground water aggressiveness, ForceTec offers Standard Corrosion Protection (SCP) and Double Corrosion Protection (DCP), the former as bare bar in cement grout and the latter pre-grouted in the factory inside corrugated sheathing.

Other corrosion protection systems include sacrificial steel, hot dip galvanization or epoxy coating of the reinforcing element.

ForceTec’s offerings

ForceTec is a leading company with a well-established presence in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries that offers engineered construction products, specialized system solutions and technical support for challenging construction projects across the Middle East. The company also serves customers in countries across Africa as well as in India.

Superior products

ForceTec offers Double Corrosion Protection (DCP) system which is pre-grouted in their partner factory in Europe for permanent applications up to a service life of 120 years. Fully coarse threaded solid bars are used for DCP. Self-drilling hollow bars in R & T threads are also offered in a wide range of sizes. Steel tubes, either seamless or welded also belong to ForceTec’s product portfolio for micropiles applications.

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