SERVICES

Pile Demolition

Chiplime specialise in pile demolition using three types of techniques, the Elliott method, pile crunching and the traditional hand breaking method using labour and mechanical equipment.

i.Elliott Method

This technique was developed and patented by Jim Elliott of Cornwall and achieved the Quality in Construction Award 1999 through innovation. Chiplime have been using this method since being established and are highly recommended for their advice and best methods of using the system. We have established a partnering relationship with Jim Elliott & Co and have become a nominated subcontractor for carrying out these specialist works.

This revolutionary method allows for the removal of surplus concrete above the required cut of level simply by drilling, splitting and then lifting. It works on all diameter piles ranging from 300mm – 3000mm.

Isolation foam is fixed to the steel cages before being installed. On excavating the piles/walls are ready for breakdown. The only work required is a single hole, usually 52mm diameter, to be drilled at the cut off level unless plastic tubes are inserted which will need to be located. The hydraulic splitter is then inserted and activated where upon the surplus is severed from the body and then lifted by an excavator or crane. Lifting is usually carried out by using lifting pins, these will require additional holes to be drilled, or by lifting handles which are inserted into the wet concrete on casting.

It works on all types of cast insitu piles and bored piles, CFA piles, diaphragm walls and barrettes and on all configuration of piles – secant or contiguous piled walls.

For the success of this method the isolation foam must be fixed securely from the top to the agreed level and all cages must be placed within agreed tolerances.

However, minimal head preparation may still be required to achieve the accurate finished cut off level by saw cutting and hand trimming.

ii.Crunching

Pile crunching is a method used by employing hydraulic pilebreakers attached to excavators. Over the years Chiplime have invested in a number Taets pilebreakers. These pilebreakers are very advanced, efficient and time saving systems for trimming concrete foundation piles. This process results in a good horizontal finish, undamaged reinforcement and no cracks below the cut off level.

However, minimal head preparation may still be required to achieve the accurate finished cut off level by saw cutting and hand trimming.

Prefabricated piles:

Chiplime most commonly use Taets type 3 pilebreakers for prefabricated piles. These are fixed frame breakers and each breaker is suitable for specific pile ranges usually upto 250mm and suitable for most shapes normally square or round.

 

Cast & Insitu piles:

The pilebreakers for cast and insitu piles are highly modular systems that are easy to adjust to each pile diameter. The breaking process is many times faster than the conventional breaking methods and is fully controlled throughout its operation.

To adjust the pilebreakers accurately to the varying pile features, half links can be added and removed because they are without hydraulic cylinders

The type 314 is suitable for pile diameters from 300mm to 1000mm and type 380 for pile diameters from 700mm to 1800mm.

iii. Conventional

The mechanical method can be used on all configuration of piles, simply by excavator mounted hydraulic breakers. Piles are broken down to a certain level above the cut off point and then trimmed by hand using pneumatic breakers.

Secondly piles can be hand broken, however, this system is very labour intensive and is more effective in restrictive areas when no other means are applicable. However, this method carries a high risk of hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) caused by regular exposure to vibration. Chiplime are aware of their duties under the Health & Safety act 1974 specifically HSE publication HS(G)88 Hand-Arm Vibration 1994. Chiplime have therefore adopted a policy to manage these risks by implementing a policy of purchasing low vibration tools and reducing exposure times by job rotation.