Re Micropile design, SE delivers and Geotech delivers?

[antonibaloney]

I am working on a project where I initiated the change from pressure grouted 12" steel tubex piles to 10" or smaller micropiles because the tubex rig cannot fit in one lobby area and in one tunnel area (two footings). A micropile Klemm drilling rig was recommended by two contractors as the machine to use to get piles/installed drilled in the confined areas. Our Structural Engineer is making the change and I am hiring the Geotechnical Engineer to support him. I am getting the feeling that both are unfamiliar with micropile technology (as well as me), and are looking to the other for who determines how many micropiles are needed. My question is "which delivers what?"

 

[cvg]

hire a different geotech

 

[DRC1]

Micro piles are a specialty item and many (but not all) installers have strong engineering support in house. They may even be able to suggest other methods that might work better. I suggest finding a reputible installer who can provide you the engineering support you need. Select an installer on the basis of quality, not price.

 

[jakin]

Not all geotech engineers have expertise in micropile design or construction. As DRC1 has pointed out, it is a specialty discipline. A good installer would have crawler rigs that require no more headroom than what could fit into a room in a building. Typically, all an installer needs is information about the design load to be supported by each pile, and the geotechnical profile of the underlying soil. The installer's in-house design engineers or an associated geotech firm can handle all the design.

I suggest you contact a member of the ADSC - The International Association of Foundation Drilling (

http://www.adsc-iafd.com).

Check the Online Directory. Many installers are Contractor Members and the designers would likely be Technical Affiliate Members. In addition, for your personal use, check out the Technical Library Publications.