Conventional Reinforced Concrete Piles
These piles are precast either in factories or on-site and installed using specialized equipment for driving or pressing them into the ground. They typically have a square cross-section, and their length depends on soil conditions and project scale. If the length is too large, the pile can be divided into smaller segments for easier transportation and installation. Common pile cross-sections range from 0.2m to 0.4m, with pile lengths usually under 12m. The concrete used for these piles generally has a strength grade of 250 – 350.
Prestressed Spun Concrete Piles
These piles are manufactured and cured in a controlled production line, adhering to specific standards and specifications. They are typically circular in shape, with a concrete strength grade of 500 or higher.
Prestressed spun concrete piles are produced using the centrifugal spinning method. The length and wall thickness of the pile depend on its outer diameter. This type of pile is best suited for construction sites with simple soil conditions and minimal hard obstructions. Installation can be carried out using basic equipment such as hammers or hydraulic pile press machines.
Since these piles combine concrete with high-strength steel, they require less reinforcement, resulting in lighter weight, easier transportation, and reduced costs. Another key advantage is their high lateral load-bearing capacity—as the concrete is pre-stressed, the pile has greater tensile strength and enhanced resistance to corrosion.
Bored Piles
Bored piles are cast-in-place, with concrete poured into drilled holes or casings at the construction site. They come in various diameters and unlimited lengths, depending on structural load requirements and local soil conditions.
With diameters of 0.4m, 0.6m, 0.8m, etc., bored piles have larger cross-sections compared to precast piles. Their load-bearing capacity is significantly higher, which means fewer piles are needed for a project. For high-load structures, bored piles are the preferred choice.
One of the key advantages of bored piles is their ability to be used in dense or hard soil formations, where driven piles cannot penetrate. Their high lateral load capacity ensures that construction vibrations are significantly lower than those of driven piles. Additionally, bored piles do not cause soil heaving around the site, making them ideal for use in urban areas where nearby buildings must not be affected. They can also be installed in narrow or confined spaces, including small alleys and tight construction sites.
