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Understanding the Different Types of Piling

  • Writer: Frank Leigh
    Frank Leigh
  • 6 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

When it comes to creating solid, stable foundations, piling is a tried-and-tested technique used across the construction industry. The method you choose can depend on the ground conditions, the type of structure being supported, environmental considerations, and the available equipment.


At ABC Anchors, we design and manufacture screw piles, but our in-house team has the technical knowledge to fully understand a wide range of piling techniques. This expertise has also enabled our parent company, Autoguide Equipment, to design and manufacture bespoke piling rigs tailored to different piling applications – from screw piling to driven, CFA, augered, and dynamic systems.


piling

Here’s an overview of the main piling methods you might encounter.


1. Screw Piling

Screw piles are steel shafts with one or more helical plates (think giant screws) that are rotated into the ground. They can be installed quickly, with minimal noise or vibration, and deliver immediate load-bearing capacity.

Best for:

  • Sites with limited access

  • Environmentally sensitive locations

  • Rapid installations without curing time

Advantages:

  • Fast installation

  • Reusable and removable if needed

  • Works in a wide range of soil conditions


2. CFA Piling (Continuous Flight Auger)

CFA piling uses a continuous auger drilled into the ground to the required depth, followed by pumping concrete through the hollow stem as the auger is withdrawn. Reinforcement can then be inserted into the wet concrete.

Best for:

  • Urban or built-up areas

  • Sites where vibration must be avoided

  • Medium to large load-bearing projects

Advantages:

  • Low noise and vibration levels

  • Good for unstable ground as the auger supports the borehole during drilling

  • Continuous installation process for efficiency


3. Augered (Pre-Boring) Piling

Augered piling involves pre-drilling a hole before installing the pile. This method is often used when the ground is too hard or compacted for piles to be driven or screwed directly.

Best for:

  • Dense or mixed ground conditions

  • Sites where reducing installation torque is important

  • Projects requiring precise pile positioning

Advantages:

  • Reduces pile installation stresses

  • Allows for accurate pile alignment

  • Can assist in penetrating through obstructions


4. Dynamic Piling

Dynamic piling is a test and installation method where piles are driven into the ground using an impact hammer, and the resistance is measured to assess load capacity. In some cases, it’s also used as a primary installation method.

Best for:

  • Rapid installation of certain pile types

  • Sites requiring dynamic load testing

  • Temporary or permanent works where driven piles are suitable

Advantages:

  • Real-time performance feedback

  • Simple, robust equipment

  • Often faster than bored methods in suitable soils


5. Driven Piling

Driven piles are inserted into the ground using repeated hammering, pushing, or vibration until they reach a load-bearing stratum. They can be made of steel, concrete, or timber, and have been used for centuries in marine, civil, and building projects.

Best for:

  • Marine and coastal works

  • Projects needing high load capacity

  • Sites with soft soils overlying firm strata

Advantages:

  • No curing time – immediate capacity

  • Proven, long-standing technique

  • Reliable performance in a wide variety of soils


Choosing the Right Piling Method

No single piling technique is perfect for every job – the best approach depends on the soil conditions, load requirements, access, and environmental factors.

At ABC Anchors, our focus is on screw piling, but our deep understanding of all major piling techniques means we can work seamlessly with our parent company, Autoguide Equipment, to develop custom piling rigs for virtually any piling method. That’s why clients trust us not only for our products, but for our ability to deliver complete, tailored piling solutions.


If you’d like advice on which piling system is right for your site, our team is here to help.


 
 
 
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