While all of the different piling methods involve driving pipes, different soil conditions and structural needs lend themselves better to different types of piling pipe. Here is an overview of some of the most common: Unplugged Open-Ended – These pipes are completely open ended. After installation the ground level should be the same inside and outside the pipe. They transfer their load to the soil primarily through friction. Plugged Open-Ended – These have a plug on the bottom end of the pipe. This causes the soil inside the pipe to be a precise amount lower than outside the pipe. Bottom Plate – This is one of two common plugged piles. In this case the a steel plate is welded to the lower end. The plate is intended to create compression and increase friction to reduce sliding. These are used on rocky terrain where a minimum layer of soil exists between the rock and the pile. Steel Pipe with Rock Shoe – This is the other common plug. Rock shoes serve the same function as steel plates, but they are used when the pile comes directly in contact with a rock surface. The equipped shoe must be able to support the entire load, and it will prevent any sliding along the rocky surface. Franki Pipe Pile – Franki piles are intended to be permanent. They are plugged with a moist concrete filling and can withstand much stronger driving impact than their counterparts. Non-Piling Pipe To really understand piling pipe, it helps to know more about their alternative methods. Most piles are concrete or steel, although wood is also used in some cases. Concrete piles are typically solid, and driving them into the soil can cause large displacement and vibrations. In other cases, the soil is excavated so the cement can be cast. The biggest contrast that this creates with steel pipes is in the foundations that can hold them. Non-pipe steel piles are typically constructed with a series of H-shaped beams. These structures are applicable in many of the same conditions, so the biggest difference between the two is in cost. Pipe piles are more commonly used in pillar supports, where H-frames see prevalence in entirely steel structures, like oil platforms. Common Benefits For any structure that is expected to bear large loads, a deep foundation is absolutely necessary. Building the right structural support for deep foundations comes with many options, but steel pipe piles are the most customizable. Because they can be tailored to exact load specifications, costs can also be minimized.Piling pipe will prevent spending extra money on structural support, they are easier and less expensive to erect and they can be inspected and safety tested before installation. They are also among the easiest to add to after construction, and they suffer some of the lowest replacement costs, as they are not susceptible to cracking during the driving process. Piling pipe have risen as one of the best options the industry has to offer in heavy load support when conditions allow them to be used. With proper expert guidance, clients can have these support systems fully optimized for cost and safety. THREEWAY STEEL provides the best materials and pile drivers and works closely with clients every step of the way to ensure that they get the best results from their pipe piling or other deep foundation.
