Little or No Vibration
Installation of micropiles can be accomplished many different ways. Installations require the use of air assisted low vibration hammers (DTH drilling) or where drilling is limited to overburden, pile advancement can often be accomplished without the use of air hammers (rotary drilling using tri-cone or drag bits). Traditional deep foundation piling techniques can produce vibrations that are exponentially higher and have the potential to damage nearby structures.
Low Headroom Applications
The trend towards modifying existing buildings due to usage or code change has required foundation equipment to become smaller while still providing high capacity piles. Micropiles can be installed in low headroom or in areas with limited access. EBS Engineering and Construction Limited has equipment that can fit through “man doors” and set up in as little as 2.4 meters (8 feet) of headroom which is what makes them extremely attractive for retrofit applications.
Can be Installed Areas With Little or No Overburden
Micropiles/grouted anchors are very effective where there is limited depth to rock. Because micropiles/ grouted anchors can be installed into rock, they are often times the preferred option to resist lateral and tension loads.
Low Displacement at Load
EBS Engineering and Construction Limited has performed numerous load tests on micropiles and grouted anchors. Piles/anchors can be designed for minimal displacement at load. To date, we have performed load tests ranging from 100 kN to 2500kN and have the capability to provide design build services related to pile design. Micropiles and anchors can be preloaded/post-tensioned prior to be putting into service.
Installation Where Traditional Deep Foundation Methods Do Not Perform Well
Micropiles can be installed in cohesive and non-cohesive soils, through rocks, boulders and man made obstructions that can pose a problem for other types of deep foundations. High water tables can be a problem for augercast and drilled shaft piles. Micropiles can be installed in areas where soil overlays sloped rock, areas where the capacity of other deep foundation methodologies might be suspect.
Low Installation Noise Compared to Traditional Deep Foundations
A common complaint in urban areas where deep foundations are being installed is the noise associated with diesel hammers and large equipment in general. Comparatively, DTH drilling and rotary percussion (hollow-bar) installations utilize smaller, and therefore quieter equipment.
