Micropiles, also known as minipiles, pin piles, needle piles, and root piles, are a deep foundation element constructed using high-strength, small-diameter steel casing and/or threaded bars.
What Is Micropile?
A micropile is a small diameter, drilled and grouted pile used to support structures in both weak and seismic soils. Micropiles were originally developed in Japan in the 1950s as an alternative to driven piles and have since been used extensively throughout the world in a variety of applications.
Micropiles are generally less than 300mm in diameter and can be installed in both vertical and horizontal orientations.
Installation is typically achieved using a rotary drilling rig, with grouting taking place either simultaneously or after drilling is complete. Micropiles offer a number of advantages over traditional driven piles, including:
– Reduced noise and vibration during installation – Reduced environmental impact – Ability to be installed in close proximity to existing structures – Increased load–bearing capacity in weak or seismic soils Micropiles are typically made from steel, although other materials such as concrete or timber can also be used.
Steel micropiles are generally either hollow or filled with grout, with the latter providing greater strength and stiffness.
Concrete micropiles are generally filled with concrete and reinforcement, with the reinforcement providing both added strength and the ability to transfer loads to the surrounding soil.
Timber micropiles are typically made from treated logs or beams and
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