Cracks and settlement are real events when it comes to concrete foundation construction. There have been many methods of repairing structures once they have settled, including helical piles, thrust piers, and micropiles. Each has its own uniqueness and applications where they should or should not be used. Helical piles are a simple and cost-effective solution for light structural repairs. Push Pillars are great for lifting heavy structures in a cost effective manner. Now, micropiles are gaining popularity to reduce the effects of settlement in new and existing structures.
There are many names for Micropiles: the most common are Mini-Piles, Piles of Pins, and Piles of Roots. These piles are small diameter grout-reinforced rotary-drilled piles that can be installed at depths of 200 feet and through very dense layers of soil and rock. Unlike helical piles or thrust piles, micropiles are not affected by paving stones and soil debris. Your sacrificial bit is designed to drill into these hard soils and embed itself in load-bearing layers of rock, while maintaining a column of grout around a structural steel member in the center of the column.
Like helical piles and thrust piers, Micropiles can be installed in limited access areas with relatively small equipment. This maneuverability makes them ideal for foundation repair applications. The portable equipment has been developed to allow access to basements and other indoor applications where the ground or access is limited to other more conventional methods of foundation repair.
The Micropiles installation process begins with drilling the bedrock using a specialized drilling rig. The soil clippings are blown out with air, water, or grout and then grout is applied to the column that has been created by the sacrificial carbide bit and threaded rod. Micropile caps are cut to size and a sleeve is inserted to fit the shoring support system. Load tests can easily be performed on production piles or test piles near the proposed locations.
Micropiles and their inherent advantages have grown in popularity and acceptance by contractors and engineers in recent years. With the advancements in drilling equipment and shoring supports, Micropiles are sure to become more popular in the foundation repair industry. For more information on foundation repair, visit a site such as http://www.earthcontactproducts.com.