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Module 31/Topic 19
SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION PROBLEMS
In this Section we look at the special problems associated with the construction of
some foundations.
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ground by drop hammer until the required penetration is reached, normally identified
by set. (The set is usually stated in the form of a specified maximum penetration for
a specified number of blows.) In this process a volume of soil equal to the volume of
the pile gets displaced to the sides contributing to high local compaction of the soil
around the pile. The reinforcement cage is lifted from the yard and lowered into the
tube (Fig.19.3b). Fresh concrete is now poured into the tube until it fills to the top.
Using an extraction gear the tube is slowly withdrawn allowing the concrete to issue
from the lower end filling the entire space occupied by the tube with the shoe left
behind (Fig.19.3c). Since the concrete is forced downwards and outwards by its own
weight, in addition to filling the hole, it also penetrates into all the voids on the sides
of the hole should they be present. The full extraction of the tube will leave some
depth of the hole vacant at the top, which is filled by fresh concrete. The process of
setting now starts and the concrete cements itself into the surrounding soil
developing high skin friction.
Among the several advantages of piles of this type, derived from its method of
construction, may be cited the following. The risk of damage, if it were a precast
driven pile, during handling, pitching and driving is totally eliminated. The
reinforcement has to cater to only in-service loads and not to stresses arising in the
handling and driving phases. Any depth can be accommodated without the need for
splicing. The advantage of this pile in loose sands in terms of local compaction of the
soil around the pile and the added friction developing on the sides as a result of the
same (Sec.11.2) is truly significant. An added advantage is the saving in cost and
time the method offers.
Simplex Concrete Piling Company of U.K. was among the early pioneers of this
technique of piling using their proprietary rigs.
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the reinforcement cage is inserted and the hole concreted (Fig.19.4c). The short
length of the shaft under the bulb, which is formed in the space occupied by the
bucket, is a by-product of this method of construction. In soft and unstable soil,
where the soil on the sides is likely to collapse, the hole may be stabilised by drilling
mud (Topic 44).
Kurian (2005: Sec. 14.2.7) gives the authors modification of the underreaming
tool for cutting a half bulb which has been found to be more advantageous.