Driven micropiles and their applications as a ground improvement technique

2024-08-05 11:16:01

Los driven micropiles they are a ground improvement technique used in construction to strengthen foundations and stabilize structures in difficult terrain. Also known as prefabricated piles, their name is due to the small size of their diameter, which is usually less than 300 millimeters. These pillars are driven into the ground by vibration, impact or pressure, until they reach a depth sufficient to guarantee the stability of the structure.

One of the most common applications is that of powered micropiles base of support. Sometimes new buildings are built on ground that is not firm enough to support the building load. To avoid problems in the structure in the future, driven micropiles can be used to reinforce the ground and ensure a strong base for the foundation of the building.

This technique is particularly useful in areas with unstable terrain, such as coastal areas or terrain with soft soils or clay. Driven micro piles can be used in any type of terrain, whether on dry land or in areas that are difficult to access such as mountainous areas or urban areas with space constraints.

The installation process of the micropile drive is relatively quick and does not require heavy machinery, which reduces costs and the impact on the environment. In addition, they can be installed at any time of the year, making it a very versatile technique and adaptable to different situations.

One of the main advantages of driven micropiles is that they do not produce vibrations in the ground, since they are driven instead of drilled. This reduces the risk of damage to nearby structures and allows it to be installed in urban areas without disturbing neighboring buildings.

Another important advantage is its load capacity, which can vary from a few tons to more than 100 tons, depending on the diameter and depth of the micropile. This means that they can be used in projects of different scales, from small houses to high-rise buildings.

As well as being used as foundations, driven micropiles can also be used in the construction of new structures, such as bridges, telecommunication towers or even in the energy industry, to build offshore oil platforms. They can also be used for retaining walls or to stabilize slopes and slopes.

Another technique used in land stabilization extensive resin injection. This technique involves introducing a chemical material into the ground, which expands when it comes into contact with water or moisture, creating pressure against the ground and compacting the soil. The expanding resin used in injection is usually a mixture of cement and water, and it can be controlled so that it expands gradually and does not affect the adjacent structure. This technique is particularly useful in soils with high porosity, since it allows filling the voids and compacting the soil before installing the micropile.

Another advantage of expansive resin is its ability to adapt to different types of soil. Since it is a liquid mixture, it can be injected into terrain that is more difficult to break into with other reinforcement methods, such as rocks or gravel. In addition, there is no need to produce heavy machinery or vibrations, which makes it suitable for use in urban areas.

In short, driven micropiles are a highly effective and versatile terrain improvement technique, allowing you to reinforce foundations and stabilize structures in difficult terrain. It is an effective and profitable solution to apply in foundations and other structures compared to other more invasive techniques.