Execution of a steel pile foundation with a diameter of 914mm by using the Reverse Circulation drilling method (RC-drilling).
Challenging environmental aspects.
The project
On behalf of the Vestland Fylkeskommune, PEAB Anlegg AS has been given responsibility for remediating the Valla bridge. In this regard, there was a need for the establishment of steel pile foundation for the bridge abutment in order to continue the works. The foundation consist 4 pcs. of Ø914 mm steel pipes.
The challenge
- Protection of the surrounding area (especially the river).
- Constrained site conditions with environmental requirements and without interrupting other works of main contractor.
- Drilling depth up to 15m with an Ø914mm steel pile.
The solution
The solution for the project was to use Keller's RTG RM20 drilling rig to ensure good progress. The drill rig was equipped with a RC-drilling setup, which ensured that the surrounding area was not harmed by any means of the drill cuttings. After the steel piles have been drilled to the required depth, the pile foot had been injected and re-drilled to ensure that no water can flow into the piles. A video inspection has been carried out to verify that all requirements have been met before the casting. All environmental aspects of the project could be achieved by using the RC-drilling technique which ensured that the drill cuttings could be collected into a given place by the contractor.