Mini piling is a hugely versatile piling method, and one with a wide range of useful advantages. That makes it particularly useful for installing piles in areas that might otherwise present major challenges, such as space-restricted environments, or locations with high water tables. We have well over a decade of experience with mini piling ourselves here at Vxcel, so we know all about how useful it can be in getting results!
However, while there’s no question that it’s an excellent all-rounder, it can still be slightly trickier to deploy in some areas than others, especially in a couple of particular locations right here in the North West. Here’s a bit more about the difficulties these places can present – and why they often need a bit of extra planning!
What geological factors can affect mini piling?
We’ll start with perhaps one of the single biggest factors. A key reason why mini piling can be harder in certain towns comes down to the geology of the area, especially in locations with a history of coal mining. Old mine shafts, tunnels, and voids left behind by mining activity can destabilise the ground, but generally not to the point where it poses an active threat to people living, working or travelling there.
However, it often is enough to seriously complicate things when it comes to piling, as it makes it difficult to achieve the stable, reliable foundation needed for construction projects. In Wigan for example, the legacy of coal mining has left behind pockets of unstable ground, which can collapse or shift when pressure is applied. In some cases, the ground conditions can be so unpredictable that additional ground stabilisation measures must be implemented, which needs to be accounted for when planning the project. (It’s the kind of thing our team are very used to here at Vxcel Piling!)
It is, of course not an issue unique to Wigan – many former mining towns face similar problems where extensive investigations are required before work can begin, as the land can vary dramatically from one site to another.
Planning regulations and local restrictions
Planning regulations can vary significantly from town to town, and in areas with a rich industrial past, there may be additional restrictions in place to protect both public safety and historical preservation. In Oldham, where old mine workings are still prevalent beneath many parts of the town, local councils may require extensive surveys and reports to assess the risk of subsidence or collapse. These regulations are essential for ensuring that construction doesn’t disturb fragile underground conditions, but again, it’s the kind of thing that our team need to account for at an early stage, to prevent it from having any adverse effect on the cost or schedule further down the line.
There’s also the fact that some councils have more stringent requirements than others – which means that sometimes it’s necessary to wait slightly longer for approval. Local regulations may dictate the number and type of investigations needed before work can proceed, and in some cases, additional monitoring or reporting may be required during the piling process. It’s one more excellent reason to quickly check the requirements (if you can) before you start the project.
Environmental concerns and restrictions
Environmental issues are also a concern in many towns, especially those near protected areas or conservation sites. In towns like St Helens, areas with a history of coal mining sometimes overlap with protected environmental areas, such as wetlands or waterlogged ground. (In some cases, a couple of these areas are protected specifically because the local flora and fauna has recovered from historic mining activity.)
That obviously needs extra care when planning the piling approach, which can add another layer of complexity to the project – particularly when there are protected species or ecosystems nearby.
The role of local weather and climate conditions
Weather patterns also play a crucial role in how difficult mini piling can be in certain towns. And let’s be honest – in the North West of England, we tend to see quite a lot of rainfall! Wet conditions can soften the soil and make it less stable, which means that some piling methods need to be adjusted accordingly. Excess moisture can increase the risk of shifting piles, so extra precautions may be needed to maintain stability.
For instance, during periods of intensely heavy rain, it may even be necessary to pause work until the ground is more stable. And during winter, frozen ground can also present its own obstacle, particularly in locations at relatively high altitudes, where temperatures are naturally colder and the ground is more likely to freeze in the first place.
However, it’s worth noting that this is just a quick rundown of possible issues, and not necessarily a guarantee that you’ll have to deal with them for your own project. 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, 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!
