The foundation of any property is one of the essential elements of a structure. Therefore, it needs to be built and maintained so that the building above remains supported and unmoving; otherwise, it may shift or sink.
Since New Jersey has a wide range of soil types, choosing the right foundation support system for your property can be challenging. Fortunately, Hale Built Group has many deep foundations solutions available, including helical support systems, caissons, and more. We're based in Manchester Township, NJ, extending our services to residential and commercial clients.
We invite you to continue reading to learn more about our deep foundations solutions so you can be as prepared as possible before taking on your next deep foundations project.
For your convenience, we've listed our deep foundations services below. If you already know which service you're looking for, don't hesitate to reach out today to get started on your next project.
| Deep Foundations Service List: |
|---|
| Helical Piles |
| Timber Piles |
| Micro Piles |
| Shoring and Lagging or Sheet Shoring |
| Push Piers |
| Inspections & Maintenance |
If you still need to decide which system you need or are still determining what deep foundations are, please continue reading to learn more.
Deep foundations are a type of foundation construction that transfers loads from the superstructure to a specific depth. Deep foundations are most helpful in supporting structures that require a much higher load, such as towers, bridges, skyscrapers, or apartment buildings.
We use deep foundations to transfer loads of foundations that extend deeply into the soil below the structure, some reaching depths up to 200 ft. After installing the deep foundation system, it typically holds two components: vertical shafts (piles) and long bars (drilled shafts).
Clients often ask us, "how is a pile driven into the ground?". We drive a pile using in-ground mechanical hammering and drilling machines, typically a pile driver. At the same time, drilled shafts involve excavating or drilling sockets into various ground levels depending on the soil type and how strongly it is holding together.
Depending on the load they need to support, deep foundations are made with steel beams, concrete piles, wood poles, and other load-bearing materials, varying in size and weight depending on their application.
Before going into the varying types of deep foundations, we'll first cover the difference between the two main types of foundations that keep structures stable.
The main difference between these two types of foundations is that deep foundations provide excellent stability for larger structures, which shallower footings can't support.
Deep foundations are an excellent choice when you need to build on unstable soil or require a stronger foundation than shallow footings can afford. Types of systems used in constructing deep foundations include drilled shafts, helical piles, driven piles, and caissons.
As you may have guessed, shallow foundations are used in projects that require less support, such as traditional residential and commercial buildings. Shallow foundations are typically made from concrete footings and are less expensive than deeper foundations like drilled shafts.
While shallow foundations provide some stability for smaller structures and buildings, they could be better in areas where the soil is not firm or plagued by ground movement. Types of shallow support systems include spread footings, pad footings, raft or mat foundations, floating slab foundations, and veneer or strip foundations.
You now know the difference between deep and shallow foundations. Our experts at Hale Built Group are here to help you see the bigger picture regarding deep foundations.
To build on your knowledge of deep foundation systems, please continue reading to learn about the different kinds of deep foundation systems.
It's best to choose the correct type of pile for your project instead of going with the cheapest option. This may seem an obvious choice, but with the many different deep foundations available today, it can take time to figure out the most appropriate type for your needs.
To simplify classifying these systems, we'll discuss deep foundation's two main categories: end-bearing piles & friction piles.
To put it simply, End-bearing piles transfer their load into the ground through a bearing surface, such as a concrete cylinder or square shaft. These systems support heavier loads, such as buildings and bridges. Friction piles, on the other hand, rely on the frictional force of soil on their sides to support these loads.
With the following passages, we aim to inform you of the different deep foundation systems that fall within these classifications, their construction methods, and their benefits.
Concrete pile foundations are a great way to secure a building or structure and are seen in diverse situations. These fall under end-bearing and friction piles, which typically depends on whether the pile is prefabricated. We usually use pile foundations when building structures over bodies of water, on steep slopes, or when rebuilding structures that have been damaged over time.
The benefits of pile foundations include increased durability and strength compared to alternative systems; they also reduce costs as less material is often required. Concrete pile foundations may be ideal if you've been looking for reliable foundation support for decades.
Sheet piles are an excellent foundation system used in many different applications. These also come in two types: end-bearing or friction pile. Construction use cases for sheet piles include retaining walls, cofferdams, seawalls, and flood barriers.
Sheet piles offer many benefits, such as ease of installation, environmental friendliness since there's no need for excavation, versatility for complicated jobs requiring curves or steps, and cost-effectiveness compared with other foundation systems. So if you're looking for an economical way to complete your project, ask a contractor about sheet pile foundations!
Steel piles are the preferred foundation system for many construction projects today, which come in two varieties: friction piles and end-bearing piles. We see these in special applications such as marine or offshore installations. The steel pile is also advantageous due to its extraordinary tensile strength and durability.
Furthermore, for smaller sites that require support for lower loads and shorter pile lengths, cost savings can be achieved since these solutions are often less expensive than other options on the market.
We use wood piles because they are easy to install, cost-effective, and reliable foundation systems for small and large construction projects. We apply them in various settings, from ports and harbors to bridges and buildings. Wooden piles are either end-bearing or friction piles. With over many decades of proven effectiveness, wooden piles remain a popular option for contractors looking to improve or build a sturdy foundation system that is long-lasting and cost-efficient.
Another popular type of deep foundation system is helical piles, which are ideal for many construction needs. These end-bearing piles transfer the load into the ground through steel shafts with helix-shaped plates on end. Compared to other deep foundation systems, helical piles have many advantages. They're fast and easy to install, can be adjusted on-site if required, and can accommodate loads ranging from small residential buildings to substantial industrial structures.
So if you're looking for an effective and cost-efficient foundation system for your project, consider using helical piles – they're sure to meet all your requirements!
Micro piles are a specialized form of foundation used with limited soil or subsoil to support the structure's weight. These foundations are drilled into the rock and are used for high-rise buildings, bridges, and other large structures. They can also offer several benefits, including increased durability, stability, and flexibility due to their ability to support wide loads over complex ground surfaces.
One critical component often used in your building's foundation is the pile cap. Pile caps are typically made from reinforced concrete, steel, or timber and help transfer the structure's load through the soil into the underlying bedrock. It sits on top of the foundation piles and transfers its load to the subsoil, hence the "cap." in pile cap.
A pile cap is a structural element used to connect the tops of deep foundation piles to distribute the weight of a structure across these individual supports. Pile caps are typically made from reinforced concrete, steel, or timber and help transfer this load through the soil into the underlying bedrock.
When it comes to foundation piles, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on what kind of structure you're building and your budget. For instance, precast piles are one of the most commonly used types today because they need minimal site work and can be designed in advance. On the other hand, they offer less flexibility if situations change on-site, so advanced planning is necessary.
Piles made with stiff clay are also a great option because they're affordable and have a high bearing capacity, but they can take longer to install, making them less time efficient. Lastly, steel piles may be pricier than other options but make up for that in their ease of installation and good strength-to-weight ratio for particular structures.
Ultimately, it's all about finding the best compromise between price and buildability for your needs. So if you need help determining what type of pile system is right for you, we recommend you consult a local contractor to get their expert opinion.
Installing a deep foundation can involve substantial costs, which should be carefully considered during construction or repair planning. The expenses for residential deep foundation installation and repair can vary widely based on the scope of the project.
Commercial projects are generally more expensive due to their larger square footage and the need for additional resources and staffing. Similarly, for residential projects, the costs associated with deep foundation installation or repair can be significant.
At Hale Built, our experienced contractors provide estimates to assist you in planning your deep foundation project. With our extensive expertise in home foundations and construction, we prioritize delivering high-quality results at an affordable investment.
When deciding which type is right for your project, it's essential to consider all aspects of the installation. Considering all aspects means considering factors such as load-bearing requirements, ease of installation, cost-effectiveness compared to other foundation systems on the market, versatility for more complex jobs requiring curves or steps, environmental friendliness due to no excavation needed on site, and any other related factors determined by your local contractor.
Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific needs and project goals, yet to be sure of what might work best for you and your project, consult with a trusted contractor before making any final decisions. Luckily, Hale Bult Group offers comprehensive estimates on projects, so you don't have to remain stuck in the dark when trying to decide.
Call us or schedule a project consultation below to get started on your next deep foundation project!
We understand that deep foundation solutions can be confusing and overwhelming. That's why Hale Built Group's professional team is here to help guide you through the process. Our experts are always just a phone call away. In addition, we are proud of our local roots and years of expertise in providing deep foundation solutions to the community.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about how Hale Built Group is the deep foundations expert to call on! - So don't hesitate, reach out and get started today!
