These are all common reasons why project teams specify drilled micropiles for foundation support on projects. Project teams also deal with the reality that drilled micropiles are often expensive and slow to install.
The Ductile Iron Pile system is a unique hybrid system offering advantages of both a driven pile and a drilled micropile. The system is installed using an excavator-mounted medium-sized percussion hammer to rapidly advance the pile using high-frequency percussive (ramming) energy. The high frequency drive energy produces minimal vibrations, allowing the system to effectively work immediately adjacent to existing buildings. Monitoring of projects shows vibration levels (PPV) at a distance of only 2 feet are often below 1 in/second. DIPs often provide similar capacities to micropiles in compression and tension by developing a friction bond zone like a micropile or compression capacities inend-bearing. The modular nature of the piles and medium-sized installation equipment allows the system to gain access to tight sites with overhead clearance restriction. In addition, the Plug and Drive connection system results in rapid installations with production rates of 500 to more than 1,000 linear feet per crew day.
While some projects located in basements (low overhead) or dealing with heavy debris or existing foundation drilling are appropriately steered to drilled micropiles, the Ductile Iron Pile system represents a cost-effective and rapid alternative to many other drilled micropile projects. Experience has shown the Ductile Iron Pile alternative to drilled micropiles often cuts the foundation cost and installation by 20% to >40%.
