Cutting pile head is an essential technique in specialist civil engineering, which is often required to bring piles in the ground to the desired height or to work on them. This work is mainly used in the foundations of building construction projects, bridge construction, tunnel projects and in excavations. It is a specialized task that requires both technical knowledge and precise craftsmanship. Depending on the specific requirements of the project, different techniques are used, from traditional manual work to modern machine solutions, such as the use of hydraulic hammers or innovative methods such as the Brextor® method.
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Meaning: cutting pile head
Cutting pile head is an important step in the pile foundation process. It describes the process of removing excess material from the top of a pile to bring it to the desired height. The technique is particularly relevant for projects where piles are used for foundation structures and their final height is critical for subsequent load transfer.
Why is cutting pile head necessary ?
Cutting pile heads has functional reasons. After production, the piles must be processed in such a way that they provide the required load-bearing capacity and load-bearing capacity. Excess material can interfere with the subsequent integration of structures on the piles or compromise structural integrity. In addition, the pile head must be clean and level to ensure accurate anchoring for the support of the structure.
Techniques for cutting pile head
There are various techniques that can be used for pile pointing, which can vary depending on the type of project, the machines available and the ground conditions. The three most common methods are described here:
Manual work: Manual work is one of the oldest methods for cutting pile heads. It is mainly used when only a few piles need to be worked on or in particularly difficult environmental conditions. Chiseling is carried out with hand tools, usually hammers and special chisels, which are used by skilled workers. This method is particularly precise, but can be time-consuming and physically demanding on large construction sites.
Advantages:
- Precise control and high precision.
- Suitable for smaller projects or difficult environments.
Disadvantages:
- Very labor-intensive.
- Longer processing time compared to mechanized methods.
- Danger of HAVS syndrome.
Use of pile breakers: A more modern method is the use of pile breakers. These machines are designed to cut pile heads efficiently and precisely. They usually consist of a hydraulic system that uses a special chiseling technique to cut the pile head. The pile breaker is capable of processing multiple piles simultaneously at high speed and accuracy, which is particularly advantageous on larger construction sites.
Advantages:
- High efficiency and speed, especially when overheating.
Disadvantages:
- Pressing energy that cannot be controlled.
- High investment costs for the machines.
- More suitable for larger construction projects.
Hydraulic hammer on excavator: Using a hydraulic hammer on an excavator is another effective method. The hydraulic breaker is mounted on an excavator and can chip off pile heads with high impact force. This technique is often used for larger construction sites and when working on larger piles.
Advantages:
- Very fast working method.
- Low expenditure for personnel.
Disadvantages:
- Uncontrolled work (risk of damage).
- High noise level.
Innovation for cutting pile head
The Brextor® method is an innovative technique that has been specially developed for cutting pile head. It combines the precision and flexibility of traditional methods with the efficiency of modern machine solutions. The energy used is under control at all times, which enables gentle processing of the pile heads.
With this latest technology, not only individual piles but also all types of pile walls can be processed in a clean and controlled manner. What’s more, it is operated by just one machine and one person in the driver’s cab.
Brextor® offers the following advantages:
🏗 Increased construction quality
Perfect pile cutting without cracks in the pile body or spalling on the pile outer skin, no bent or torn reinforcements and a height accuracy of +/- 1cm.
💵 Lower construction costs
The demolition material consists of 80% gravel 0-30mm and can therefore be reused directly on the construction site. In addition, Brextor® requires less working space than conventional demolition methods. This means that not only are costs for transportation and disposal, including fees, saved, but the purchase and delivery of replacement material is also eliminated. Furthermore, the preparatory work eliminates the need for a separating diamand cut at the final extraction level and the cleaning effort is massively lower than with conventional extraction methods.
⏱ Shortened processing time
For example, a pile with a diameter of 1 m and a height of 1 m can be processed within 40 minutes. A daily output of up to 16 piles is possible. In addition, Brextor® provides reliable performance and therefore increased planning security.
♻️ Environmentally friendly
With Brextor®, the demolition material (80% gravel 0-30mm) can be reused directly on the construction site. Brextor® also requires less work space. This saves excavation and replacement material. By reusing the demolition material directly on the construction site and saving on excavation and replacement material, transportation can be saved. In addition, landfills are less polluted.
👷 Increased health and safety in the workplace
No heavy physical labor is required when preparing the bored piles, which massively reduces the risk of health hazards such as HAVS syndrome. Brextor® also avoids working in danger zones.
Find out more about Brextor® here:
Contact us for more information and to find out how you can benefit from this revolutionary method of installing bored piles.
Call us on +41 41 495 05 20 or send an e-mail to info@brc.swiss. We look forward to working with you and taking your projects to the next level