Processes

When settlement problems appear, we can insert ERKA-Piles segment by segment into the ground underneath the foundations. With vertical misalignment the piles ultimately form a thrust support for hydraulic lifting cylinders. Depending on job specification, the building structure is then pushed into the horizontal with these cylinders, either manually or computer controlled.

The ERKA-Pile works on a press-driven (jacking down) piling system

In front of the foundation, an approximately 1.2 m × 1.2 m installation pit is dug and below the foundation an opening is made approx. 0.8 m × 1.0 m at foundation width. The pile is inserted by press-driving (jacking-down) 50 cm long (mostly) single segments into the ground, stroke by stroke, until the predetermined pile resistance is reached. During the process, a protocol is generated for each pile.

Each of these segment piles has a tongue and groove system with which any length of pile necessary can be achieved. This “jacking-down” process is often the only vibrationless and nose-free option for inserting piles into the building ground. That’s why press-driven piles are predominantly used in the foundation relaying of retention-worthy and settlement sensitive buildings.

Pilehead – Foundation restoration – It is not uncommon during foundation relaying of old, deeply footed buildings that obstructions such as this old spike pile are come across. More than one metre of the wooden pile had rotted away in the area of the foundation thereby losing its load bearing function.

Jacking down the ERKA-Pile – The load distribution beam is placed under the foundation and the first segment with the hydraulic press are adjusted into position. The segment is pressed stroke by stroke into the earth. Between strokes, the press is retracted and set on blocks. The next segment is placed on top and then jacked-down in its turn.

Pile protocol – Graphic evaluation of a pile protocol. A pile protocol is generated for each pile in which the driving force for each pile is recorded.

Pfahlprotokoll – Grafische Auswertung eines Pfahlprotokolls. Für jeden Pfahl wird ein Pfahlprotokoll erstellt, in dem für jeden Hub die Einpresskraft festgehalten wird.