What are pile heads?

In the construction industry, pile heads are essential, especially when constructing foundations. Pile driving is done deep into the ground to provide deep support for structures that need it because of heavy loads or poor soil conditions. The stability and strength of the entire foundation system are greatly dependent upon the tops of these piles, also referred to as the pile heads.

The point on the pile where it joins the pile cap, the topmost portion of the foundation, is called the pile head. To transfer loads from the structure above down through the pile to the ground below, this connection needs to be strong and secure. In order to avoid any possible problems that can jeopardize the foundation’s integrity, pile heads must be properly treated and prepared.

Trimming is one of the most important procedures for handling pile heads. The piles’ tops are frequently damaged or uneven after they are driven into the ground. In order to create a level and even surface for the pile cap to rest on, trimming entails cutting the pile heads to the appropriate level and shape. To achieve an even load distribution throughout the foundation, this step is essential.

The reinforcement of the pile heads is an additional crucial component. In order to increase the strength and durability of the pile head area, reinforcement typically entails the addition of steel bars or mesh. This keeps the foundation sturdy and dependable by reducing the stress and strain that the pile head will experience over time.

In conclusion, pile heads have a big impact even though they may appear to be a minor component of the building process. The overall stability and longevity of a structure are enhanced by pile heads that have been properly treated and reinforced. Any construction project that depends on deep foundations can be more successful if its participants are aware of their role and the preparations that need to be made.

Purpose of heads

What is the purpose of a pile head? This is the top of the slab’s supporting structure. Keeping an eye on where the piles are at the same level is essential. The foundation’s bearing capacity will be hampered if the work is done skew. Since alignment is a difficult task, it is preferable to remove the support after deepening.

The specific gravity of the material and the size of the pile base determine the size of the head. To fit on the pile, the pipe’s inside diameter needs to be marginally larger than the pile’s size. There are four different shapes of screw pile caps: square, round, polygonal, and T-shaped. Not every building needs them; for example, caps are not necessary when building a house made of aerated concrete blocks, but they are preferred when building a frame or log home.

Functions of caps

Why is there a need for these kinds of structures? They serve a number of purposes:

1. Installation and fastening of support beams to the ends of pipes;
2. Construction of a common frame by fastening pipes with channels;
3. Creation of a concrete grillage based on screw piles.

Types of screw pile caps

By shape, fastening technique, and site format, screw pile caps come in a variety of forms. The type of structure determines how it is installed.

There are two categories for piles based on shape:

T-shaped. It is welded or bolted into place within the pile;

U-shaped. They are positioned on the supports, at the outer edge of the pile, which should be the same size as the head’s interior.

Based on the fastening technique, there are:

Welded. When using a pit, this kind is employed. The fact that oxygen and water do not enter the support and cause corrosion to the pile is a huge plus.

Detachable. When installing manually, the pile is screwed down to the point where the soil freezes, at which point the head is attached and any superfluous portion is removed.

Additionally, there are various kinds of platforms that the strapping beams are installed on:

• Square (the most common);
• Round
• Polygonal

Methods for cutting off heads

The excess portion of the pile that is above the horizontal grillage is removed by cutting off the heads after the reinforced concrete supports have been pressed in. On the pile rod, a marker indicates the size of the area that needs to be removed.

A jackhammer, which is inexpensive, or hydraulic shears, which are excellent in cutting quality and fast, but also reasonably priced at tens of thousands of rubles, are the two types of tools used to remove pile caps.

Manual method

If you want to use a jackhammer for cutting, carefully follow these instructions:

1. Mark the cutting line on the support;
2. Use a hammer to draw a groove that encircles the cutting line;
3. Cut off parts of the concrete from the monolithic support with careful movements, without touching the reinforcing frame;
4. Cut off the reinforcement.

The potential poor quality of this technology is one of its main drawbacks.Under the indicated line, the tool may cause damage to the support.

Method of cutting off heads using hydraulic equipment

Hydraulic shears are a much better and faster cutting method that stands out for its versatility. The superfluous portion of the support is removed synchronously by hydraulic cutting pistons equipped with cutters on the pile. Such equipment can be mounted on any piece of machinery that has a hydraulic drive that can supply the necessary power, like an excavator or tractor, greatly reducing the need to hire machines.

As the uppermost portion of concrete piles that link the foundation to the structure above, pile heads are essential building elements. To ensure stability and strength, they evenly distribute loads from buildings or other structures into the piles. For the foundation system to last a long time and to avoid structural failures, pile heads must be designed and built correctly. Comprehending their function facilitates recognizing their contribution to the overall soundness of a building’s foundation.

Method using cutting cutters

Cutter use is appropriate for all kinds of piles. Because the process can be carried out manually or automatically, it will be completed accurately and quickly.

The most important thing is to select the appropriate cutter while keeping the pile’s characteristics and measurements in mind. An incorrect selection could lead to overheating and damage to the cutting element. It is important to select a cutter whose diameter matches the thickness of the wall and to set the tool’s operating modes correctly.

Follow this order to ensure a high-quality outcome:

1. Make the marking of the piles;
2. Correctly choose the cutter;
3. Set the required number of revolutions;
4. Cut either in the center of the pile or along the ring;
5. Let the cutter cool down to avoid overheating.
6. Technology of welding the head

Prior to beginning the installation of a screw pile foundation (i.e., attaching the cap), clean the structure to remove paint and address any issues causing the site’s uneven landing.

The technique for welding the head is very straightforward: you simply use a file to highlight the edge of the head and a cord brush to clean it in a 2-3 cm line using a grinder.

The following arrangement is followed when performing welding:

• Installation of the head on the pile, monitoring the correct position;
• Spot welding in several places;
• Complete welding of the element;
• Slag removal and paint coating;
• Saving space for ventilation of 1-2 cm;
• Use of universal electrodes and welding current of 100 A.

Installation of screw piles

Installing screw pile heads is becoming more and more common as opposed to installing traditional ones because they offer several benefits:

1. The design itself compacts the soil with the help of blades on the drill;
2. The price is significantly lower than reinforced concrete piles;
3. Long service life due to anti-corrosion treatment;
4. The dimensions of screw piles allow them to be easily dismantled;
5. The heads are cut with a grinder.

Conclusion

It is important to double-check all technical specifications before beginning work because the welding of pile caps calls for particular attention to detail and accuracy in movement.

It is much faster and simpler to work with screw piles.

A building’s foundation’s strength and stability are greatly dependent on its pile heads. They are the upper sections of piles that join the foundation structure or pile cap, guaranteeing a proper transfer of building loads to the earth. In order to avoid structural failures and preserve the integrity of the entire foundation system, pile heads must be designed and built properly.

Precise planning and precise execution are required throughout the pile head construction process. In order to guarantee a solid bond with the pile cap, the pile head must first be prepared by trimming it to the necessary level and treating it. The pile head will be able to effectively manage the loads and stresses placed on it by the structure above by doing this.

To sum up, anyone working in engineering or construction needs to understand the significance of pile heads. It is impossible to overestimate their importance in distributing loads and preserving structural stability. For any building project to be safe and last a long time, pile heads must be properly designed and built.

Video on the topic

How to properly cut pile heads with your own hands.

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Pile heads: types and purpose