Toolbox Talk – Construction Piling

This weeks Toolbox Talk will discuss Construction Piling and all the legal requirements. Piling is used in the construction of buildings, bridges and other structures. It is used when the soil might not be able to support the weight necessary for the structure. Piling is therefore used for these deep foundations to ensure the framework of buildings. To support both above ground and underground.

It is considered to be a high-risk activity and treated as such at all times. Hazards related to piling activities must be constantly evaluated and treated at the source to prevent mishaps from occurring. Piled openings must be demarcated with solid edge protection or should be enclosed with solid material to prevent a person from falling.

Take a look at the following risks:

• Stability of adjacent structures.       
• Heights
• Excavation related hazards.
• Ground Water.
• Moving machinery /parts.
• Lifting operations.
• Plant instability.
• Ground conditions / bearing capacity

Construction piling is a technique used in the construction of bridges, buildings, and other structures when the soil present at the premises is incapable of supporting the necessary weight for the structure. Piling in construction proves to be very helpful in setting deep foundations for the construction work

A pile is a long structure, in the shape of a cylinder, from steady material like concrete, that go beneath the ground in order to build structures on top of it.

Pile foundations have piles that connect to a pile cap, to hold more loads than one pile can carry. Pile caps are constructed to hold the pile and superstructure together at the ground level or below the ground level while transferring loads of the structure to the foundation. Generally, pile caps are constructed to connect one or more piles. Dimensions of the pile caps are decided based on the loads and connecting arrangement of the structure and the pile foundation.

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