Auger piles are smaller diameter, cast-in-place deep foundation elements. They can vary in diameter from 12 to 48 inches and are most efficient in granular or incohesive soil and/or high water tables. Augercast piles can be installed quickly with minimal disturbance in noise and vibration. They can be designed as end-bearing, friction or a combination of both depending on the soil properties and proximity to rock.
Auger cast piles are installed by rotating a hollow stem, Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) into the earth to the designed depth. Structural grout is then pumped through the hollow stem as the Auger is slowly withdrawn. Once the hole is pumped full of grout, reinforcement can be placed.
Since many pieces of equipment are involved with installing driven piles, it can be a concern to nearby structures. The vibrations emanating from certain tools may also pose a risk to subsurface supports, which can jeopardize the integrity of other buildings in the area. However, by utilizing Auger piling, this concern is eliminated. This system is also a lot quieter than other forms of pile driving.
Auger piling is just as strong as more standardized practices, and have been to shown to last over the years through a wide range of soil and climate fluctuations.