Modern construction projects require foundation systems that are suitable for the soil properties and are durable. This is especially true for large structures, bridges, viaducts, and projects built in areas close to water, where establishing a solid infrastructure is of critical importance. The bored pile system, used to enhance safety and ensure the longevity of these structures, provides a strong foundation even in soils with low bearing capacity. In this article, we will explore what the bored pile system is, where and how it is applied, and under what conditions it provides the most effective results.
What is the Bored Pile System?
The bored pile system is a foundation solution that carries and distributes the structural loads through piles placed beneath the ground. This method, used especially in soft or weak soils, is widely preferred in various engineering projects to ensure the safety of the structure. The bored piles are placed into deep soil layers using special machinery to ensure the stability of the structure. This system helps distribute the structural load not to the surface but to the deeper layers, enhancing the stability of the structure.
Bored piles are typically made from concrete or steel materials and are highly durable. These piles reach deep into strong soil layers beneath the surface, creating a robust foundation that supports the structure. Even when the soil properties are weak, the bored pile method increases the bearing capacity of the soil, ensuring a safe foundation. Therefore, this system is widely used in high-rise buildings, large construction projects, port structures, bridges, and viaducts.
Where is the Bored Pile System Used?
The bored pile system has a wide range of applications and can be used in various types of soil. It is mostly preferred in the following types of structures:
• High-rise Buildings: Skyscrapers, office buildings, hospitals, and other multi-story structures require strong foundation systems due to their high weight. In such buildings, the bored pile system ensures that the structure sits firmly on the ground.
• Bridges and Viaducts: In bridges and viaducts, which require high load-bearing capacity, bored piles form a strong foundation capable of safely carrying the structure.
• Port and Marine Structures: In areas close to sea level or underwater projects, the soil may be very soft or weak. The bored pile system is preferred to provide a solid infrastructure in such soils.
• Earthquake-prone Areas: Structures built in earthquake zones require durable foundation systems for safety. The bored pile system ensures the ground is resistant to vibrations during earthquakes.
The application areas of this system are not limited to weak soils; it can also be used to enhance safety in solid soils. Especially in earthquake-prone regions, the bored piles significantly improve the safety of the structure against seismic activities.
How is the Bored Pile System Applied?
The process of applying the bored pile system requires careful planning and the use of advanced equipment. The steps are as follows:
Soil Analysis: Before starting the project, a soil investigation is carried out to determine the soil’s bearing capacity, structural properties, and depth analysis. These analyses provide information on how deep the piles should be placed and which materials should be used.
Pile Drilling Process: After the soil analysis, special machines are used to drill into the ground and create holes where the piles will be placed. The depth and width of these holes are determined according to the load of the structure and the soil properties.
Pile Placement: Steel or concrete piles are placed in the drilled holes. These piles are selected from durable materials that can carry the weight of the structure and are prepared according to the soil properties.
Concrete Pouring and Stabilization: After placing the piles, the surrounding holes are filled with concrete. This process ensures that the piles bond with the soil and create a strong foundation. After the concrete curing time is completed, the piles become more durable.
Testing Process: After the piles are placed, various tests are conducted to check their load-bearing capacities. The structure’s ability to support its weight is tested, ensuring a solid foundation is created.
For the successful implementation of the bored pile system, a professional team and advanced machinery are required. A well-executed bored pile application tailored to the soil conditions will extend the life of the structure and guarantee its safety.
In Which Systems Does the Bored Pile Work Well?
The bored pile system works more effectively in certain soil types and structural types. The conditions in which this system provides the best results are as follows:
• Soft Soils: In areas where the soil structure is soft and loose, piles are driven deep into the ground to increase the stability of the soil.
• High Groundwater Level Areas: In regions with a high water table, the soil may not have a durable structure. Bored piles provide resistance against water, increasing the safety of the structure.
• Structures Requiring Deep Foundations: For particularly high buildings or projects that require the transfer of heavy loads, the bored pile system is one of the most suitable solutions. In such structures, solid foundations enhance the durability of the structure.
• Earthquake Zones: In areas with earthquake risks, the bored pile system makes the structure more resistant to tremors. This system supports the structure against both horizontal and vertical forces during an earthquake.
What Are the Advantages of the Bored Pile System?
The bored pile system offers various advantages in construction projects and ensures the safety of structures in areas with weak soil conditions. These advantages are as follows:
• Creates a Solid Foundation: The bored pile system increases the soil’s load-bearing capacity and ensures that the structure is built on a safe foundation.
• Earthquake-Resistant: It enhances the structure’s durability against earthquake risks. By absorbing ground movements during an earthquake, it minimizes the damage to the structure.
• Environmentally Friendly Solution: Since the bored pile system is applied according to soil properties, it does not harm the environment and requires less excavation compared to other foundation types.
• Long-Lasting: Bored piles made from durable materials such as steel or concrete ensure that the structure remains stable and secure for many years.
• Easy to Implement: Especially in large projects, it can be applied quickly with the help of machines, speeding up the construction process.
The bored pile system offers an ideal solution in situations where a secure and durable foundation is required for construction projects. Especially preferred in weak soil conditions, this system ensures that structures are long-lasting and comply with high safety standards. With the advancement of construction technologies, the application of the bored pile system has become easier, and safety measures in large projects have been increased.