Steel piles play a crucial role in supporting large structures burdened with heavy loads. These piles come in various forms – rolled sections, fabricated shapes, or sheet piles. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of steel piles is essential for making informed decisions in construction projects.
Steel piles excel in carrying heavy loads, with the ability to support up to 100 tons per pile. This makes them ideal for foundations of large structures.
Steel piles can penetrate through stiff layers or encounter boulders without losing their effectiveness.
During the driving process, steel piles displace a minimal volume of soil, reducing the impact on the surrounding environment.
Steel piles can withstand rough handling, providing durability in various construction scenarios.
One significant drawback of steel piles is their susceptibility to damage from corrosion and electrolysis, especially in challenging environmental conditions.
Steel piles tend to be relatively expensive unless the soil’s bearing stratum can support their large capacity. This cost factor may influence project decisions.
In certain situations, steel piles may be less effective when compared to friction piles, affecting their overall suitability for specific projects.
H-piles are designed to withstand impact stresses during hard driving. Equal thickness in flanges and web minimizes damage, providing rigidity in the weak axis.
Made from seamless or welded pipes, pipe piles may be filled with concrete. The choice between open-ended and closed-ended piles depends on soil conditions at the site.
Splicing H-piles follows standard methods used for steel columns. Engineers can choose between welded or bolted splices based on preferences and equipment availability.
Corrosion is a significant challenge for steel piles. Several methods are employed to mitigate this issue:
Codes often require an extra thickness in the pile section to counteract corrosion. This may involve deducting 1/16 inches from the metal thickness or splicing an additional steel piece.
Organic or corrosive soils near the surface can be replaced with noncorrosive soils, an economical method for shallow depths.
Concrete encasement near the ground surface effectively protects piles from corrosion but can be a costly solution.
Preventing electron removal from piles through cathodic protection is an ongoing process that counters corrosion effectively.
Despite their advantages, it is crucial to address the challenges associated with steel piles, particularly corrosion. Careful consideration of soil conditions, project requirements, and cost implications is vital for successful implementation in construction projects. Regular maintenance and protective measures are essential for ensuring the longevity and reliability of steel piles in diverse environmental conditions.