What is Mini Piling?

Mini Piles also known as Micro Piles require construction machines that are ideal for projects where free space is an issue. They allow workers to complete jobs safely and efficiently, maintaining a high level of productivity. Usually suitable for construction projects which involve commercial or domestic properties. They can be required to create foundations for various project types, which may include highway, bridge, and transmission tower projects. Mini Piling Rigs are powerful, compact machines with advanced functionalities. These rigs work in sites that have both width and height restrictions, often as low as 2.3m in height.


Methods of Mini Piling

Mini Bottom Driven – Required when the ground conditions are poor, and the area is restricted. These piles are closed-ended thin-walled steel tube is driven in lengths of 2-6m, hammering them into the soil with an internal drop hammer onto a dry concrete plug. The tubes are joined by a full non-structural fillet weld before being filled with high slump concrete or grout and a cage or bar is inserted for strength.

Open Hole Auger – Used in conditions where swell may be a possibility but where the ground conditions allow the pile bore to stay open.  A liner is installed to the required depth to minimize heave. Temporary casings can be applied to support the ground that may be unpredictable at the top of the pile.  This technique of piling allows the pile to be filled with concrete from the top as the casings are removed.

Top-Driven Steel/Precast – If piles are required in an area where the terrain is poor and the access is restricted then top-driven mini piling is best used. This method is most suitable as they can replace bottom driven whilst offering a high load capacity.


10 Advantages of mini piling

  1. These specific machines are perfect for built-up locations as they cause minimum noise pollution and vibrations, therefore, are less likely to cause disturbances to the surrounding area and structures.
  2. Work extremely well both in tension and compression.
  3. Speedy installation depending on ground conditions.
  4. Mini piling systems enable builders to create extensions to homes in tight spaces that would have been out of bounds.
  5. Mini piling causes little disturbance/vibration to adjacent structures during the installation.
  6. With suitable ground conditions, they can be installed cost-effectively, with high load capacities.
  7. Greater depths are reached with ease.
  8. They can be structurally incorporated into existing foundation systems.
  9. Can work within low headroom in restricted working conditions.
  10. A good solution for sites with environmental sensitivity or close to buildings
  11. Mini piles use less concrete and steel than other piling methods, so reducing the foundation’s carbon footprint.

Omnia Machinery can provide you with the used mini piling rigs you need for your upcoming projects, from brands such as Comacchio, Casagrande and Geax to name a few. Should you have any specialist requirements, please do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team who can help to source the perfect machine for you. Before shipment, we always ensure that our machines are up-to-date and fully tested. Should you require something more specialist, please contact us and our expert team will aim to source the machine required for your project.