How deep can Driven Precast Piles go?

Driven precast piles can range from 4m in length and increase by 1m increments to standard lengths of up to 14m. They are cast in square sections which range from 200mm to 450mm. Larger section sizes and lengths can be manufactured to suit project-specific requirements.

What is the maximum depth?

With the benefit of using pile joints, precast concrete piles can be driven to lengths longer than 30mx. Often concrete precast piles can be driven down to 30m, however, in special circumstances, such as offshore projects, piles can be driven down to a maximum of 150m.

What is the minimum depth?

There is no established depth for foundations; nor is there a simple way of determining suitable depths. Instead, there is a very wide range of foundation types and depths suitable for different applications, depending on considerations, such as:

  • The nature of the load requiring support.
  • Ground conditions.
  • The presence of water.
  • Space availability.
  • Accessibility.
  • Sensitivity to noise and vibration.

Shallow foundations are suitable at a depth of around <2.5 m, any deeper and you would need to look at a suitable piling solution. If the foundations are to be in close proximity to an adjacent structure, care must be taken to ensure the excavation works do not undermine it, nor is additional pressure exerted upon it. The foundation may need to be at least the same depth as the adjacent building’s foundation base.

What equipment is used?

Driven precast piles are installed using impact vibration hammers (piling rig) to a specific depth, designed by piling experts.

The different types of pile driving methods are:

  • Hydraulic hammer
  • Air hammer
  • Vibrator
  • Hydraulic press

Quality Assurance 

Centrum precast concrete piles are manufactured using the most advanced technology available, they have a high structural capacity which is achieved from the use of high strength sulphate resisting concrete and exceptionally rigid welded reinforcing cages. This means that the Centrum Pile System can be installed to work at higher concrete stress levels than would be permissible for piles formed in the ground using traditional cast insitu wet concrete.

Learn more about driven precast piles, stay up to date with our latest news and connect with us: LinkedIn