The pile wall is a very important element of modern civil engineering. They are used to stabilize excavation pits, to secure slopes or as load-bearing construction elements in demanding construction projects. As an engineer or construction professional, you know how crucial the right choice of construction method is for the success of a project. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive overview of pile wall types, possible applications, advantages and disadvantages.
Content
What is a pile wall?
The pile wall is a building structure consisting of a series of vertical piles arranged close together or at specific intervals. These piles are driven into the ground to serve as either a permanent or temporary support structure. The main purpose of a pile wall is to stabilize soil structures, secure excavations or erect load-bearing elements for complex structures such as bridges, tunnels or high-rise buildings.
Piles for the pile wall are usually made of concrete, steel or wood. The choice of material and construction method depends on the specific requirements of the project, such as soil conditions, load and environmental conditions.
Pile wall: Types
Secant pile wall
With a secant pile wall, the individual piles overlap. This creates a virtually watertight wall, which is often used in areas with high groundwater pressure. This construction method offers maximum stability and is suitable for demanding construction projects such as subway railroad shafts or flood protection systems.
Tangential pile wall
The tangential pile wall consists of piles that touch laterally or have a minimum distance between them. This construction method is particularly economical and is ideal for temporary excavations or projects where moderate watertightness is sufficient.
Contiguous pile wall
The broken-up pile wall is characterized by larger distances between the piles. This construction method is mainly used for lower loads, e.g. to secure slopes or for landscaping projects. Additional elements such as timber or steel elements are often inserted between the piles to increase stability.
Application area of the pile wall
The pile wall is used in a variety of construction projects. Here are some typical areas of application:
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Excavation support: Prevents the ground from slipping and ensures the safety of construction projects.
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Slope stabilization: Stabilizes slopes and prevents erosion or landslides.
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Groundwater sealing: The secant pile wall in particular is used to seal construction pits against penetrating groundwater.
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Load-bearing structures: In projects such as bridges or high-rise buildings, the pile wall serves as a foundation or load-bearing element.
Advantages of a pile wall
The pile wall offers numerous advantages that make it a preferred choice in modern construction:
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High stability: They can support heavy loads and offer maximum stability.
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Flexibility: Different designs and materials make them versatile.
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Efficiency: Fast construction method that accelerates construction progress.
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Space-saving: They provide space-saving protection, especially in urban projects.
Possible disadvantages of the pile wall
Despite their numerous advantages, there are also some challenges when using pile walls:
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High costs: The overcut pile wall in particular can be expensive due to the materials used and the construction method.
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Complexity: Planning and execution require expertise and specialized equipment.
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Noise and vibrations: The installation of the piles can have a negative impact on the surrounding area.
Conclusion
The pile wall is a key building block for numerous construction projects, from excavation support to load-bearing structures. With their versatility and stability, they offer solutions for complex challenges in civil engineering. Choosing the right type of pile wall and careful planning are crucial to the success of a project.
If you would like to find out more about pile walls and their possible applications, we will be happy to be your competent partner. Get in touch with us today!
Processing pile wall
One method with which a pile wall can be processed is the Brextor® method. Brextor® can be used to process all types of pile walls, regardless of whether this is an secant, tangential or contiguous pile wall.
Brextor® offers you the following advantages:
🏗 Increased construction quality
Perfect pile breaking without cracks in the pile body or spalling on the pile outer skin, no bent or torn reinforcements and a height accuracy of +/- 1cm.
💵 Reduced 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 mining methods. This means that not only expenses for transportation and disposal incl. fees are saved, but the purchase and supply 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 working 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 & safety at work
No heavy physical labor is required for pile processing, which massively reduces the risk of health hazards such as HAVS syndrome. Brextor® also avoids working in danger zones.
Are you ready to increase the efficiency, safety and quality of your construction projects?
Find out more about Brextor here.
Contact us for more information and find out how you can benefit from this revolutionary pile head processing method. Call +41 41 495 05 20 or send an e-mail to info@brc.swiss. We look forward to working with you and taking your construction projects to the next level.