Mini piling is a crucial method for providing deep foundation support in challenging ground conditions, and we have a strong track record for using it to deliver outstanding results for our clients here at Vxcel Piling. That means we’ve got considerable experience with successfully dealing with some of the most common challenges that sometimes rear their heads – so if you find your project involves any, rest assured that there are ways to resolve them! In that spirit, here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most common challenges with mini piling, and how we go about sorting them here at Vxcel.

Ground conditions and obstructions

Unpredictable ground conditions and hidden obstructions together make up some of the most frequent challenges in mini piling. Even with thorough site assessments, it’s not uncommon to encounter unexpected obstacles during the installation of piles. These can include rubble, remnants of old foundations, or unmarked underground utilities. These types of issues are particularly prevalent in urban areas, where older buildings or previous developments may have left behind hidden structures or utilities that complicate the piling process.

To prepare for these potential challenges, here at Vxcel we rely on compact and versatile rigs that are capable of working in tight, confined spaces. These rigs are highly adaptable, which means we’re quickly able to quickly adjust our approach and equipment to accommodate any unforeseen obstructions. Before any piling begins, we can also conduct detailed pre-site surveys that include the use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and soil analysis. GPR can help us to detect and map out any hidden structures below ground, while soil analysis provides insight into the ground conditions we can expect. Collectively, these measures ensure that we can proactively address any issues, and minimise disruption to the project timeline.

High water tables and drainage complications

You don’t need to be an expert to know that groundwater can present a significant challenge in mini piling projects – particularly for sites located near rivers, in coastal areas, or in regions with naturally high water tables. To put it in technical terms, excess water reduces the soil’s load bearing capacity, which quickly leads to destabilisation, weakening the overall structure and affecting its long-term integrity.

Excess water in the ground can destabilise the piles, and over time, water ingress can affect the long-term integrity of the building or structure itself. If you’d like a jargon-free explanation though – as many people do! – essentially water weakens the ground, which is one of the main things you don’t want to happen when you’re building large structures on it.

To mitigate the impact of high water tables, at Vxcel we can deploy a small range of effective water management techniques. For instance, we sometimes use well-point systems to temporarily lower the water table and stabilise the ground during piling. We may also install temporary pumps to manage the water levels on-site.

To further protect the integrity of the piles, we can use water-resistant materials in the pile construction, including specially mixed concrete with waterproof additives. In locations where the water table is particularly high or the risks of water ingress are greater, we may use steel-cased piles, which provide an extra layer of protection. Finally, we have the skills and knowledge to integrate effective drainage systems into the pile design, allowing for proper water flow management.

Load-bearing and stability issues

The stability of mini piles can sometimes be compromised by soft or unstable soil conditions. Soils like clay, silt, or loose sand can all affect the load-bearing capacity of the piles if they’re not adequately addressed. It’s broadly the same concept as what we’ve discussed with high water tables – while the mechanics are slightly different, it comes down to that same problem of weakening the ground.

To prevent load-bearing issues here at Vxcel, we can conduct extensive on-site load testing, including both dynamic and static load tests. These tests provide valuable insights into how the piles will perform under the anticipated load, and give us the opportunity to make necessary adjustments to the pile design if needed. If the soil is found to be weaker than expected, we may reinforce the piles by increasing their diameter, or using additional tension support, such as multi-strand cables. In some cases, we may also need to adjust the depth of the piles to reach a more stable layer of soil beneath the surface. This ensures that the piles are properly anchored, providing a solid foundation for the structure above.

Now, it is worth noting that this is just a quick rundown of possible issues – so it’s not necessarily a guarantee that you’ll have to deal with them for your own project. And of course, if you do ever need any advice or assistance with a potential issue, you can always ask our team at Vxcel. With over a decade of experience here at Vxcel, we’re here to make every aspect of the project go smoothly, and we’ve got all the in-house expertise and equipment we need to get it done. To find out what we’ve achieved for previous customers, feel free to take a look through our case studies!

And of course, if you’ve got any further questions about mini piling in general, then you’re in exactly the right place. just give us a call on 01254 314010, and we’ll be happy to see how we can help!