Infrastructure ElementsProducts
A precast concrete pile is a reinforced or prestressed foundation element made in the plant and driven into the ground on site. It carries building loads past weak upper soil layers down to firmer strata.
A precast concrete pile is a deep foundation element made in the plant to a set section and length, then driven into the ground on site by a piling rig. Unlike cast-in-place piles, it enters the ground with its concrete already complete and its strength verified. Because it pushes the surrounding soil aside as it is driven, it is classed as a displacement pile.
Where the upper soil is too weak or compressible to carry a structure, piles transfer the load down to firmer strata. Load passes into the ground through resistance at the pile toe and friction along the shaft. Groups of piles are tied together by a pile cap cast on top, so that they share column or wall loads. The arrangement is used to limit settlement and give the structure a secure bearing.
Square is the most common section for precast piles; hexagonal, round and hollow sections are also used. Piles can be made as reinforced or prestressed elements. Pile length follows the depth of the bearing stratum; where a single length would be too long to transport, piles are made in segments that are joined on site with mechanical splices. The toe can be pointed, or fitted with a steel shoe, to help it penetrate hard ground.
Piles are cast in steel moulds with longitudinal bars and surrounding helical or link reinforcement. Confinement steel is placed more closely at the head and toe, which take the highest stresses during driving. The concrete is compacted by vibration and cured under control until it is strong enough to withstand driving. Each pile is checked for dimensions, straightness and a square, even head.
Piles are lifted and stacked from designated points chosen to avoid bending damage. On site the pile is raised into the leader of the rig and driven to the target depth by hammer blows. The number of blows and the penetration are recorded for every pile; this driving record gives an on-site indication of capacity and can be backed up by load tests where needed. Once driving is complete, pile heads are trimmed to level and tied in with the pile cap concrete.
Piled foundation design starts with a site investigation, including boreholes and in-situ testing. The depth of the bearing stratum, the soil type and groundwater conditions determine pile section, length and spacing. Hard layers or cobbles likely to be met during driving are also taken into account when choosing the toe detail and reinforcement.
Dimensions, reinforcement and load capacity are set by structural design for each project; contact us for technical details.
Perimeter and Protection Elements
A concrete fence post is a reinforced precast post set into the ground to carry chain-link mesh, barbed wire or panel fencing. It provides a durable, low-maintenance fence line around land, industrial sites, vineyards and orchards.
Facade and Floor Elements
A precast facade panel is a reinforced concrete wall unit made at the plant and fixed to the precast frame of an industrial building. It gives the building a durable, non-combustible envelope that goes up quickly.
Prefabricated Plant Construction
We build factories, warehouses and industrial plants as a single contractor, from design to erection. Columns, beams, roof and facade elements are produced in our plant, delivered in planned sequence and erected by our own crews.