Installing screw piles in winter is popular among developers, allowing construction to be carried out in any season. We'll discuss proper installation procedures, screwing techniques, and the impact of ground freezing on installation.
Site Preparation: Winter Specifics
Before
installing piles, it's important to prepare the site. Winter has its own
nuances that need to be considered:
1. Soil
Condition Assessment. Before starting work, a soil analysis is required. In
winter, the top layers of soil can freeze, affecting its density and texture.
If the top layer is well frozen, this can facilitate installation, as the soil
will be stable. However, if there is heavy ice cover on the site, additional
preparation efforts will be required.
2. Site
Clearance. Snow and ice must be removed from the site to ensure access to the
area where the supports will be screwed in. This will prevent unnecessary
damage to equipment. Snow removal equipment or manual removal can be used for
this purpose.
3. Site
Marking. After site clearing, site marking is carried out, which includes the
creation of a calculated pile placement diagram. It's important to consider the
slope, terrain, and utility locations. This will help avoid installation
errors.
4. Equipment
Check. Equipment requires special attention in winter. Ensure all tools are
functional in low temperatures, otherwise their effectiveness may be
compromised.
5. Weather
Consideration. Temperature and precipitation can impact the work. The optimal temperature
for installation is around -10°C. It's best to postpone work on colder days.
Pile Driving
Installing
screw piles in winter requires specialized skills and equipment:
1.
Equipment. Use specialized equipment capable of withstanding winter conditions.
It must be suitable for work in low temperatures.
2. Driving
Technique. Drive the piles smoothly and carefully, avoiding sudden movements to
avoid damaging them. This minimizes the risk of damage to the supports and the
equipment itself.
3.
Additional Pile Reinforcement: Sometimes additional reinforcement may be
required in frozen ground, such as filling the voids around the piles with
concrete.
4. Process
Monitoring. At every stage, it's important to control the installation
direction. Using levels and slopes, you can ensure the correct position of each
pile, preventing future deformation.
5. Safety.
Ensure equipment doesn't overheat. Take breaks for preventative maintenance.
Watch your workers' feet, as ice can create dangerous conditions.
The Effect of Ground Freezing on Pile Driving
Frozen soil
increases the resistance to pile driving, so consider the following:
1. Density.
Frozen soil becomes denser, which can make installation easier or more
difficult. Sometimes it can be too hard to easily drive, requiring additional
methods to achieve the required depth.
2. Risk of
layering. If moisture reaches the surface and freezes, layers of ice form,
which can cause problems during driving, spreading the load further across the
pile.
3. Uneven
Settlement. Freezing conditions increase the likelihood of uneven settlement,
which can lead to future building deformation. Therefore, it is necessary to
monitor the condition of each pile after installation.
4. Changes
in groundwater levels. In winter, groundwater levels can fluctuate
significantly, rising or falling, which will affect the stability of the pile
foundation.
Installing
screw piles in winter depends on following all technological processes and
careful preparation.
Advantages and disadvantages of installing
piles in winter
Advantages:
• Piles
penetrate dense, frozen soil more easily.
• Reduced
risk of damage to the landscape by equipment.
Work can be
carried out in hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to access in summer.
•
Construction can be started without delays in winter, especially if the project
deadlines are tight.
• Work can
be completed more quickly due to the lack of competition among developers, who
generally begin work in the spring.
Disadvantages:
• Use of
additional equipment to achieve the required depth.
• Risk of
pile extrusion due to soil freezing.
• Increased
requirements for pile corrosion protection and foundation insulation.
How to Prevent Screw Pile Extrusion
To avoid
extrusion issues, it's necessary to:
1. Design
the project correctly: Creating a design diagram for the pile elements is a top
priority.
2. Use
appropriate screwing equipment to prevent subsidence or extrusion.
3. Check
horizontality and verticality: Observe specific parameters during installation.
Installing
screw piles in winter is not a myth, but a reality. If you follow the proper
procedures and recommendations, installation is straightforward. The key is to
ensure that the temperature does not drop below -10°C and that the conditions
are as favorable as possible.
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