Expert Retaining Wall Contractors in Apopka, FL

If a situation arises where the design top of the pile or pile cut off elevation is below the surface of the ground when it is time to drill, it is possible to dip the grout from the top of the pile if the conditions of the soil allow it. If soil conditions are favorable, piles can be dipped to an accurate measurement ranging from three to four feet. As the depth to pile cut off increases, the accuracy involved in dipping decreases. It is possible to perform dipping by air lifting if the dipping required is of a large amount. Please note that dipping should always be performed immediately after the casting of the pile. Dipping should be stopped if any caving begins from the sides of the hole. In some cases soil conditions can prevent dipping. In such scenarios, chipping guns, hydraulic cutters or concrete saws can be utilized after the excavation of the pile cap. If the cutoff of elevation of the pile is above the working grade at the time of installation, it is possible to build up the pile with the help of a round/circular form. If there is a buildup of 8 inches or less then the use of standard 18 inch is commonly utilized. For buildups that are greater than that, sonotube or longer cans may be utilized. Once it is firmly positioned, fluid grout is used to fill the form in order to create the proper level of the top of the pile.

Owing to some soil conditions, settlement in grout is considered a normal occurrence in the installation process of Auger Cast in Place Grouted Piles. This largely occurs due to pressure on the soil caused by the column of grout or pile, particularly when the grout is still in its fluid form. It is possible to add fresh grout to the top (top off a pile). However, care must be taken to ensure that no contamination is occuring and grout at the top is still in fluid form.

When required, reinforcement is installed into the pile when the cement grout is still in a fluid form. If considered necessary a single reinforcement bar can also be installed through the hollow auger preceding the grouting process and withdrawal of the auger. In cases where reinforcement is installed once the pile has been grouted, centralizes are utilized to give the necessary clearances.

In accordance with 2009 IBC 1810.3.9.2 No reinforcing is required except where subject to uplift or where required due to the moment strength determined using the load combinations of Section 1810.3.9.1. When carrying seismic or lateral loads in the top 20 to 15 feet of a pile, it is typical to use cage reinforcing. However, it is considered to be more economical to opt for a single center bar to bear uplift loads. The longer a reinforcing cage is, the more expensive and difficult the installation becomes.

Unless approved by the building official, the IBC table 1810.3.3 requires a minimum spacing of at least 6 pile diameters center to center for piles installed within 12 hours of each other.