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Breaking Down Piling Industry Jargon

By 01/03/2024No Comments

In the piling industry, there are many words and phrases that are often thrown around, but if you are an outsider to the piling industry, these words can be extremely confusing and mean absolutely nothing to you. So, to help you gain a better understanding, we have compiled a list of the most common jargon you will find in the piling world and will be breaking them down to their simplest terms. Let’s jump right in! 

Piling plays a crucial role in construction projects, providing stability and support to structures. First of all, let’s tackle some of the more common terms you might come across: 

Pile:  

A long, cylindrical structural element driven into the ground to support a building or structure. 

Load-bearing Capacity:  

The maximum weight a pile can support without any failure. 

Soil Analysis: 

The process of evaluating soil conditions to determine the best piling method and design. 

Board Piles: 

Piles created by drilling a hole into the ground and filling it with concrete or other materials. 

Pile Driving: 

The process of using heavy machinery to drive piles into the ground. 

Mini Piling: 

The use of smaller piles in a project, this method is particularly used in situations where space is limited. 

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s dig deeper into some more complex jargon: 

Pile Integrity Testing: 

A method used to assess the integrity and quality of a pile by analysing the signals generated during impact testing or sonic echo resting. 

Pile Cap: 

A thick concrete slab that connects multiple piles together, distributing the load evenly. 

Settlement: 

The downward movement of the ground or structure due to the compression of soil beneath the foundation. 

Pile Hammer: 

A specialised machine used to drive piles into the ground by delivering powerful blows. 

Pile Extraction: 

The process of removing piles from the ground, often necessary for repairs or modification. 

By understanding these terms, you will be better equipped to navigate conversations and make informed decisions when it comes to piling. If you are starting a job that requires piling, please get in touch with Rhino Piling today. Piling is the backbone of construction, and our 5-star services provide a solid foundation for success.