Leader well drilling for piles: technology, advantages and features

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Leader drilling allows you to install piles in a vertical position in areas with dense soil. This method is most relevant in winter, because it facilitates the process of driving sheet piles when laying the foundation.

The popularity of this technology is increasing every year. Leader drilling allows not only to reduce soil resistance, but also to immerse the structure to a greater depth. In addition, noise and vibration levels are reduced during work. This is one of the advantages of the method.

Features

At the design stage, specialists determine the method of laying the foundation, as well as specify the requirements for technology and performers.

Drilling of leader wells is carried out only after preparatory work. First of all, the dimensions of the piles are determined. The diameter of the leader holes should be 3-5 centimeters smaller than the diameter of the reinforced concrete structure.

All work must be carried out in accordance with SNiP. Leader drilling of wells is carried out before driving reinforced concrete structures into the ground. This technology is used very often due to the reductionvibration and noise levels. After all, piles are driven into the ground quickly and without much difficulty.

The diameter of the auger, which is used when drilling wells, depends on what kind of soil is in the base. The depth should be about 1 meter less than the depth of the pile. It is worth noting that the driving of reinforced concrete structures, as well as preliminary drilling, are carefully planned by many specialists. This allows you to fully comply with the technology and optimally place the piles in each case.

In what situations is such drilling required

Leader drilling for piles is often used when laying foundations based on piles. In this case, the design can be of any volume and varying complexity. Most often, this method is used in the following cases:

• If a layer of compacted sand was discovered during a geological survey. With shock laying, such soil is almost impossible to pass. As a result, leader drilling under piles is carried out.
• If the topsoil is dense. With the impact method of laying piles, the reinforced concrete structure can be destroyed or deformed. Pre-drilling allows you to pass the problematic layer of soil without complications.
• If the work is carried out on the eternally frozen ground. This soil is quite dense. Leader drilling is recommended to avoid problems.
• If the site is dominated by rocky soil. For driving technique, rocks are an insurmountable barrier.
• If the piles are placed onconsiderable depth. In this case, pile failure may occur. As a result, it is not possible to reach the desired level without drilling wells.
• If the area where the foundation is being laid is dominated by dispersed soil with a minimum density. In this case, the guiding function of the drilling is especially appreciated.

Application

This method of laying piles is often used when arranging a foundation in a site close to buildings. This method allows you to reduce the noise level during work, as well as reduce vibration when driving reinforced concrete structures. Leader drilling can be done in densely populated areas located within the city.

This technology can significantly speed up the process of laying a pile foundation. Such drilling does not violate the integrity of reinforced concrete structures. At the same time, the technology allows you to achieve the desired depth, while ensuring the rapid passage of dangerous and problematic areas at the construction site.

How Piling Drilling Works

Leader drilling of wells is carried out with the help of pile drivers equipped with drilling rotators. They replace pile hammers. The key point here is to maintain verticality. Only in this case it is possible to do a quality job. This is provided by drilling rotators.

During the work, soil sampling is required. Manipulation is performed manually. If thisdo not, then the excess soil will not allow the installation of piles. Due to the removed soil, the mark increases by about 50 centimeters.

Steps of work

The process of leader drilling and pile laying can be divided into several stages:

• On the site, the places where the piles will be driven are marked with points.
• Special equipment is being installed. The units are mounted in the marked places.
• Technique is being prepared, verticality indicators are being checked.
• Wells are being drilled using special pits.
• Reinforced concrete structures are driven into the ground.
• Examination of each installed pile is carried out. They are handed over to the representative of technical supervision.

When performing leader drilling, augers of several types can be used: continuous and composite design. In the first case, the creation of a well is a non-stop process. This saves time and ensures high quality work.

Advantages of Technology

The popularity of leader drilling can be explained by its advantages. Among the advantages of this technology are:

• The ability to install piles on a site with various types of soil, as well as with any technical characteristics.
• The technology allows to significantly increase the depth of laying reinforced concrete structures.
• Compliance with all rules for the installation of piles. The verticality indicator is taken into account.
• High quality work.
• Reduce vibration for adjacent buildings when driving piles.

Flaws of technology

Disadvantages of leader drilling include:

• Tangible material costs arising from overcoming some bureaucratic obstacles.
• Engaging specialists and using equipment.

Despite the large number of advantages, the technology has one more minor drawback. This is the cost of the work being done. The cost of leader drilling depends on several factors. First of all, this is the depth of the bookmark, as well as the type of soil on the site. On average, this figure is 300-1500 rubles per 1 meter.

Finally

The technology of leader drilling is constantly being improved. After all, this method will be used in those places where it is impossible to do without additional soil treatment. This technology is relevant when driving reinforced concrete structures in problem areas. Special equipment greatly facilitates the process of laying the foundation of the future foundation. The main thing is to follow all the recommendations of specialists and follow the rules when performing work.