3 Crucial Precautions for Bored Piers Installation

If you are planning on constructing a commercial structure, a high rise apartment or an industrial complex, you should think about using bored piers in the foundation. Bored piers are ideal elements for supporting large buildings with high vertical loads. Their capacity for load support is exceptional when compared to conventional footings and driven piles. 

You should also note that bored piers do not cause a lot of disturbance to the environment. In addition, these elements will reduce the total backfill on your construction site. However, it is important to note that the reliability of your foundation will depend on your installation choices. Here are practical precautions to help you achieve the best results when using bored piers.  

1. Check the Soil Properties

You should not begin the construction of your building or the installation of the foundation before conducting soil tests. This process is critical for determining the best approach for constructing a long-lasting structure. Under normal circumstances, the testing work should be carried out by an experienced professional such as a geotechnical engineer. The critical aspects of the soil that should be examined include the composition, drainage efficiency and bearing capacity. Once the investigation is complete, you will receive a soil report. The details provided will help your engineers, designers and contractors develop an ideal plan for bored pier installation.

2. Consider the Depth Requirements

You should determine the depth at which the bored piers will be installed. This information will be critical during the acquisition of the piles. The ideal depth for installing the foundation piers will primarily depend on the condition of the ground. It the upper soil layers are not suitable for supporting vertical loads, you will need to use longer piers. For example, if you are planning on building on a piece of land with sandy soil, you will need to acquire piles which can penetrate the hard ground beneath the loose soil. Also, if the ground is prone to frost penetration, you will need piers that are established beyond the frosting depth for optimal results.

3. Know the Structural Weight

Finally, you should understand the load –bearing requirements for your bored piers. Different piers will support differing maximum weight depending on factors such as the construction material, the size of the piles and general quality of the design. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have a firm grasp on the amount of weight your piers will be required to support after installation. Calculating loading factors can be challenging; you should consult an expert in pier foundations for professional guidance.


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