Ductile Iron Pipe Piles

Drilled Piers or Drilled Shafts are a staple or standard recommendation when either the soils or the structural loads facilitate the need for Geotechnical Engineers to recommend a deep foundation solution.   Though drilled piers are a great solution, there may be a better or an additional option to consider.

The other option to consider besides drilled piers is Ductile Iron Pipe (DIP) Piles.  These pre-fabricated driven pile systems utilize high-strength ductile iron and can be a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to drilled piers.

Foundation Specialties Geostructural Construction (FSGC) has applied DIPs in value-engineered solutions and has seen both cost savings and schedule reduction in the following situations:

• Where the primary loads are axial and competent rock is 18-36 feet below the top of footing (TOF).
• In place of drilled piers socketed into rock for lightly loaded 1 or 2-story structures with expansive soils
• Embed within pier caps, mat slabs, or grade beams that support large axial loads and some lateral loads in soft collapsible soils.

Some of the other benefits of DIPPs include:

1. No spoils are produced when driving these displacement piles
2. Once piles are installed, pile caps can be poured immediately.  No waiting for concrete to cure
3. Can be installed in limited access areas
4. Can be installed with limited overhead clearance – 25’ or greater is needed
5. Manufactured with 100% recycled material
6. Efficient use of material – minimal waste
7. Bearing plates easily attach and are embedded into the pile cap
8. Working capacities range from 25 to more than 100 tons

Give FSGC a call if you feel you may have an application where DIPs can be applied.  We would be happy to review the application and provide guidance.