Bored Pile Wall:
A bored pile wall, a drilled shaft wall or a diaphragm wall is a retaining wall constructed using bored piles or drilled shafts. It’s a common civil engineering and construction technique to create deep, sturdy retaining structures. Here are some key features and uses of bored pile walls
Features of Bored Pile Walls:
Deep Foundation:
Bored pile walls extend deep into the ground, often reaching depths of 100 feet (30 meters) or more. This makes them suitable for retaining walls in areas with significant soil pressure or constructing underground structures like basements.
Diameter:
The diameter of bored piles can vary widely, depending on the specific project requirements.
Construction Process:
Bored piles are created by drilling into the ground using specialised drilling equipment. During drilling, soil and debris are removed from the hole, and reinforcing steel (rebar) is often inserted. After drilling, the hole is typically filled with concrete to create a solid, continuous wall.
Diaphragm Wall:
In some cases, bored pile walls are constructed close to each other to create a continuous diaphragm wall, essentially a thick, solid barrier. Diaphragm walls are used for deep excavations and to control groundwater.
Uses of Bored Pile Walls:
Deep Excavations:
Bored pile walls are commonly used to support deep excavations for buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure projects. They provide lateral support to prevent soil movement and protect adjacent structures.
Retaining Walls:
Bored pile walls can act as retaining walls to hold back soil or water, allowing for underground spaces such as basements.
Foundation Support:
Bored piles are often used as deep foundations to support heavy structures or those in unstable or soft soil conditions.
Flood Control:
In flood-prone areas, bored pile walls can be used to construct flood defence systems to protect against rising water levels.
Tunneling:
Bored pile walls are used in tunnel construction to provide tunnel support and prevent soil or water ingress.
Underground Parking:
They are used to create underground parking structures in urban areas where space is limited.
Different types of retaining walls and their uses:
Retaining walls hold back soil or other materials and prevent erosion or slippage. They are commonly used in landscaping, construction, and civil engineering to create level surfaces, control erosion, and manage slopes. There are several types of retaining walls, each with its own design and construction methods. Here are some common types of retaining walls and their uses:
Gravity Retaining Wall:
- Use: Ideal for low to medium-height walls where the weight of the wall itself provides stability. They are often used for landscaping and garden walls.
- Materials: Typically constructed using concrete blocks, stone, or precast concrete units.
Cantilever Retaining Wall:
- Use: Suitable for medium to high walls. They use a T-shaped cross-section and rely on a footing to counteract the soil pressure.
- Materials: Concrete is commonly used for cantilever retaining walls.
Counterfort Retaining Wall:
- Use: Used for tall retaining walls where additional strength is required. They incorporate vertical buttresses on the backside of the wall.
- Materials: Typically made of reinforced concrete.
Anchored Retaining Wall:
- Use: Designed for retaining very high walls or where space is limited. Anchors or tiebacks are used to stabilise the wall by extending into the soil behind it.
- Materials: Often constructed with concrete or reinforced concrete.
Sheet Pile Retaining Wall:
- Use: Ideal for waterfront structures and temporary retaining walls. They are driven into the ground and used to retain soil or water.
- Materials: Commonly made of steel, vinyl, or wood.
Gabion Retaining Wall:
- Use: Suitable for small and tall walls, often used in landscaping and erosion control.
- Materials: Wire mesh and stone or rock fill.
Reinforced Soil Wall (Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall – MSE Wall):
- Use: Used for retaining walls of varying heights, often in highway and bridge construction. It uses layers of soil reinforced with geogrids or geotextiles.
- Materials: Geogrids, geotextiles, and compacted soil.
Segmental Retaining Wall:
- Use: Commonly used for residential landscaping and small retaining walls. They are modular and easy to construct.
- Materials: Interlocking concrete blocks or segments.
Terra Cotta Block Retaining Wall:
- Use: Typically used for decorative retaining walls. They offer a unique aesthetic appeal.
- Materials: Terra cotta blocks or bricks.
Natural Stone Retaining Wall:
- Use: Often used for landscaping and creating natural-looking retaining walls.
- Materials: Natural stone such as granite, limestone, or sandstone.
The choice of retaining wall type depends on factors such as the height of the wall, the type of soil, the available space, budget, and aesthetic preferences. It’s crucial to consult with a structural engineer or a qualified professional to design and construct a retaining wall and Contig Wall Piling that meets the specific needs of your project and adheres to local building codes and regulations.