Ductile Iron Piles
Ductile Iron Piles are a simple, fast and highly effective low-vibration driven pile system utilizing high-strength ductile cast iron. Modular pile sections are connected by a proprietary Plug & Drive system, eliminating the need for welding and splicing while providing a high degree of stiffness. With the use of an excavator fitted with a high frequency hydraulic hammer, piles are installed by driving the pile sections in quick succession leading to fast and easy installation with minimal vibrations. Ductile Iron Piles (DIPs) are installed to transfer foundation loads through compressible soils or fill to more competent soil or bedrock.
DIPs develop moderate to high working capacities through either end-bearing on dense soil or bedrock, or by developing frictional capacity along a grouted bond zone within competent soils. End-bearing DIPs are driven through the unsuitable soils to refusal or achieve the driving criteria or “set” in the underlying dense soil, glacial till or bedrock. Friction DIPs are installed with an oversized conical grout point at the pile base. As the pile is driven, sand-cement grout is pumped through the grouting shank. The grout fills the hollow pile and exits through grout ports within the conical grouting point to fill the annular space created by driving the oversized cap. This process encapsulate the pile in grout and forms the basis for the grouted bond zone within the surrounding competent soil to achieve the design capacity.
Ductile Iron Piles are often a cost-effective and rapid alternative to traditional deep foundations like Drilled Micropiles, augercast piles, driven steel H-piles piles or steel pipe piles. The system excels with foundation support in constrained sites or urban settings where tight access and low vibration requirements influence foundation selection. The system can successfully penetrate challenging soil and fill conditions.
