COVER FEATURE
said Roper. “As each helical pile is installed, a log of the torque
to depth is recorded. These torque recordings provide insight
to the soil strength at each pile location and are used as a quality
control measure to verify expected pile performance. With
this approach, each pile location can be installed in line with
the project specified safety factor – no more and no less – often
reducing unnecessary materials from being consumed.”
Roper says early in the design process, the team often heads
onto the site with a project geotechnical report and conducts
a series of helical test probes, where it installs and removes a
helical pile for the purpose of collecting the torque vs. depth
readings.
“We aim to probe adjacent to the boreholes as well as inbetween,
to help calibrate, interpolate and extrapolate the
findings of the geotechnical report,” said Roper. “This process
allows us to refine our design recommendations as well as our
expectations on varying final embedment depths. Depending
on the size of the site, these test probes are likely to span one
or two days on site, and typically cost significantly less than an
expanded geotechnical investigation.”
Graham Piling’s Sneddon cites the main issue his company
faces is related to specifications and, in particular, concrete
specifications.
“I would suggest that over 85 per cent of rotary pile problems
relate to poor concrete specifications in relationship
to the final pile design,” he said. “It seems that rarely do final
designs get reviewed against the soil conditions (depth, water,
etc.) or specifications (concrete slump, aggregate size. etc.).
Hence, the problems.”
And he adds that this problem is rarely solved until after
these issues materialize.
“We try to engage clients and engineers at a very early stage
to discuss the construction process and the potential risks
associated with the contract requirements,” said Sneddon.
“Only when one of the risks materializes do we start reasonable
discussions regarding further avoidance. Piling contractors
pour thousands of cubic meters of concrete a year in various
ground conditions and, yet, they are rarely consulted with
regards to feasibility of construction.”
INNOVATIVE PILING SOLUTIONS
The earth retention wall at the Saskatchewan Children’s
Hospital in Saskatoon. The soldier pile and lagging system
was designed to hold back up to 20 vertical feet of earth.
Aspire
We’ll keep you secure.
Have confidence in the advice
from the legal professionals
at Fillmore Riley.
fillmoreriley.com
FILLMORE RILEY LLP LEGAL ADVISORS AND TRADEMARK AGENTS
PILING CANADA 25
11014A-FMR_ice-climber-Piling_CAN_3.5x4.75.indd 1 2015-10-21 11:12 AM
/fillmoreriley.com
