`

BTech Seminar
on

MICROPILES
ADVANCED FOUNDATION ENGINEERING

Prepared by:
Kashish Gandhi, 11BCL017
Mihir Rambhia, 11BCL018
Vastav Desai, 11BCL079

Submitted to:
Dr. Trudeep N. Dave

Civil Engineering Department,

School of Technology,
Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University,
Gandhinagar.

CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 3
2. WHAT IS A MICROPILE? ............................................................................... 5
3. HISTORY ........................................................................................................ 6
4. USES OF MICROPILES.................................................................................. 7
5. BENEFITS OF MICROPILES .......................................................................... 9
6. LIMITATIONS OF MICROPILES ..................................................................... 9
7. INSTALLING A MICROPILE ......................................................................... 10
8. REFERENCES .............................................................................................. 17

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1. INTRODUCTION
Since mankind started to design and build structures for different
usages and environments, foundation systems to support such structures
had to be developed in order to match the architectural and structural
needs. With the ever-increasing urban expansions, it is not always
possible to find good supporting ground at or close to surface level.
Therefore, foundations other than spread footings were designed to
transfer compression loads down to a suitable load-bearing stratum.
Higher and slender structures subjected to wind and seismic loads
need foundations capable to support compression as well as uplift and
lateral forces. Instead of large, mass concrete foundations, which require
large areas and mass excavations, smaller and deeper drilled shaft or pile
foundations became a more economical alternative, in which steel
reinforcing systems embedded in concrete and cement grout are the major
component. Micro Piles belong in this category of foundation elements.
They are very simple but unique in design and construction and are
becoming more and more popular.
Micropiles are often used to improve the bearing capacity of the
foundation against applied loading. In many cases, steel pipes of 50 to
200 mm diameters are used as micropiles. The strengthened ground acts
as coherent mass and behaves remarkably well, capable of sustaining very
high compressive loads at defined settlement or alternatively defined
loads at reduced movement. Lizzi (1982) and Plumelle (1984) showed
that micropiles create an in situ coherent composite reinforced soil system
and the engineering behaviour of micropile-reinforced soil is highly
dependent on the group and network effects that influence the overall
resistance and shear strength of composite soil micropile system. Juran et
al. (1999) presented an excellent state of art review, covering all the
studies and contributions, on the state of practice using micropiles.
Considerable information on single micropile design, evaluation of load
bearing capacity, movement estimation models as well as effect of group

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and network effect have been covered in considerable detail. The authors
also reviewed geotechnical design guidelines in different countries for
axial, lateral load capacities and approach for movement estimation.
In India, in some circumstances steel pipes, coated wooden piles are used
as cost effective options in improving the bearing capacity of foundation
or restrict displacements to tolerable levels and similar uses in
stabilization of slopes, strengthening of foundations are common.
Sridharan and Murthy (1993) described a case study in which a tenstoreyed building, originally in a precarious condition due to differential
settlement, was restored to safety using micropiles. Galvanized steel pipes
of 100 mm diameter and 10 m long with bottom end closed with shoe,
driven at an angle of 60o with the horizontal were used and the friction
between the pile and the soil was used as the design basis in evolving the
remedial measures. A similar attempt was made in the present case study
in which the bearing capacity of the existing foundation system of a
building was restored to safety using micropiles.
Micro piles have been used effectively in many applications of
ground improvement to increase the bearing capacity and reduce the
settlements particularly in strengthening the existing foundations.
Advantages of Micro piles are high carrying capacity, less site constraint
problem and self-sustained operation. This piling system is therefore
attractive to both the client and foundation designer. Apart from this the
light and compact drilling rigs other ancillary equipment, like grout mixer
and grout pumps, is very compact size. Micro installations can penetrate
to hundreds of feet in depth; each of the piles can support many tons of
load. Micro piles transfer loads through liquefiable soil to competent
bearing strata to conform to design requirements. Micropile technology
is a reliable pile system that can withstand large capacity axial or lateral
loads with minimal disturbance to the existing structures. They became
very popular due to their ability to transfer loads efficiently through skin
friction and due to their many installations advantages over conventional
pile system. Micro piles has the capability of combining micro pile
technology with one or more of the other ground improvement techniques
to meet unique or complex project requirements cost effectively and
efficiently.

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2. WHAT IS A MICROPILE?

A micropile is a small diameter (typically less than 12 in.), drilled and

grouted replacement pile that is typically reinforced. The term
replacement pile means that the pile is installed by removal and
replacement of material as opposed to displacement of existing material. A
displacement pile is one that installed by displacing existing material. A
driven pile is an example of a displacement pile.
Micropiles, also known as minipiles, (and less commonly as pin piles,
needle piles and root piles) are deep foundation elements constructed using
high-strength, small-diameter steel casing and/or threaded bar. Capacities
vary depending on the micropile size and subsurface profile. Allowable
micropile capacities in excess of 1,000 tons have been achieved.
The micropile casing generally has a diameter in the range of 3 to 10
inches. Typically, the casing is advanced to the design depth using a drilling
technique. Reinforcing steel in the form of an all-thread bar is typically
inserted into the micropile casing. High-strength cement grout is then
pumped into the casing. The casing may extend to the full depth or terminate
above the bond zone with the reinforcing bar extending to the full depth.
The finished micropile (minipile) resists compressive, uplift/tension and
lateral loads and is typically load tested. The technique has been used to
support most types of structures.
Post-grouting within the bond length can increase frictional forces with
surrounding soils, thus achieving greater capacity. Micropiles can serve to
stitch the soil together, within predicted shear zones to enhance mass
stability. In liquefiable profiles micropiles can transfer loads to competent
bearing strata to conform to seismic design requirements. Underpinning of
foundations adjacent to planned excavations is another micropile
application.

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For planned foundations in areas with multiple underground utilities,

the cost of a cast-in-place piling system may often be substantially increased

by the expense of utility re-routing, creation of adequate access, and

sometimes even a shutdown of facility operations. With micropiles these
complications are rarely an issue. Moreover, micropiles greatly alleviate the
quality assurance concerns associated with cast-in-place piling in weak
soils.
Micropiling is accomplished using low-vibratory drilling techniques,
a critical consideration when working around sensitive structures. The
micropiles can readily be installed in confined space and low headroom
situations. Often installation can be accomplished without disrupting
normal facility operations. Vertical and/or inclined micropiles can also be
installed to provide the additional foundation support needed to withstand
increased structural loading, underpin existing shallow foundations during
adjacent new construction, counteract uplift forces, stabilize slopes, and for
seismic retrofit.

3. HISTORY
Since its original conception in the 1950s by Dr. Fernando Lizzi, a number
of micro pile systems using steel-bar reinforcement / cement grout
combinations with or without steel pipe casing, have been developed.
Lizzis idea was, to produce a foundation system consisting of small pile
groups, which form a reinforced soil mass like the root system of a tree. He
called these PALI RADICE or ROOT PILES Further developments using
different installation methods and reinforcing systems made it necessary to
capture them all under a general heading, first MINI-PILES, which was
later changed to MICRO PILES. With the creation of the International
Workshop for Micro piles (IWM), first in North America and later
internationally, MICRO-PILE became a household name in the
Geotechnical and foundation industry. They are mainly used as Friction
Piles to take tension and / or compression loads
A generally up to 300mm diameter, drilled and grouted pile with a
centrically placed steel reinforcing member consisting of single or multiple

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bars. They can be placed with relatively small drilling equipment, single or
in groups, under limited access and low headroom conditions.
This reduces or eliminates the risk of structural damages caused due to
vibrations, by otherwise used heavy percussion and pile driving methods,
especially inside or in close vicinities of buildings. The reinforcing
materials are simply single solid or hollow bars with continuous outside
threads which can easily be spliced and coupled to any required length. The
intent of this presentation is to introduce, to designers and specialized
foundation engineering contractors, the different types of reinforcing
systems and corrosion protection methods available for drilled and grouted
Micro Piles.

4. USES OF MICROPILES
To replace deteriorating foundation systems.
To provide extra support for structures during renovation.
To provide pile foundations where access, geology or environment
prevent the use of other methods.
To support structures affected by adjacent excavation, tunnelling or
dewatering activities.
To provide a fast, effective alternative to more traditional underpinning
methods.
For in-situ reinforcement including embankment, slope and landslide
stabilization.
For seismic retrofitting.

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Micropile
Applications

Foundation
Structural support

Foundation for New

structures

Insitu earth
reinforcement

Underpinning of
existing structures

Repair/Replacement
of Existing
foundations

Upgrading of
foundation Capacity

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5. BENEFITS OF MICROPILES
Installed at any inclination through virtually any ground
condition
Ensures minimum vibration or other damage to foundation and
subsoil
Ability to be installed close to existing walls, with as little as six
feet of headroom
Allows facility operations to be maintained during construction
Resists compressive, tensile, lateral loads, or inherent
combinations thereof
Impressively high load capacity with extremely low total and
permanent settlement.
Simple and economical connection to existing and new structures
Can be preloaded to working load before connecting to
particularly sensitive structures
Faster construction schedules and fewer change orders versus
more traditional methods
Installation in environmentally sensitive locations, using
lightweight, specialty equipment

6. LIMITATIONS OF MICROPILES
Vertical micropiles may be limited in lateral capacity.
Due to their slenderness ratio micropiles are limited in axial capacity.
Costly

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7. INSTALLING A MICROPILE

1. Drilling Techniques- The drilling method is selected on the basis of

causing minimal disturbance to the ground and nearby sensitive structures
and able to achieve the required drilling performance. In all drilling
methods, drilling fluid is used as a coolant for the drill bit and as a flushing
medium to remove the drill cuttings. Water is the most common drilling
fluid compared to other drilling fluid such as drill slurries, polymer, foam
and bentonite. Another type of flushing medium is using compressed air.
1.1 Single tube advancement: By this method, the toe of the drill
casing is fitted with an open crown or bit, and the casing is advanced
into the ground by rotation of the drill head. Water flush is pumped
continuously through the casing, which washes debris out and away
from the crown.

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1.2 Rotary duplex: With the rotary duplex technique, drill rod with a
suitable drill bit is placed inside the drill casing. It is attached to the
same rotary head as the casing, allowing simultaneous rotation and
advancement of the combined drill and casing string.
1.3 Rotary percussive duplex: Rotary percussive duplex systems are
a development of rotary duplex methods, whereby the drill rods and
casings are simultaneously per cussed, rotated, and advanced. The
percussion is provided by a top-drive rotary percussive drill head.
This method requires a drill head of substantial rotary and
percussive energy.
2. Grouting - Micro pile grouting equipment consists at a minimum of a
colloidal high speed, high shear mixer, holding tank with agitation,
grout pump capable of reaching pressures of 300 psi, pressure gauges,
recirculation lines, qa/qc equipment and log books. The colloidal
mixer is a high-shear grout plant that is capable of rapidly mixing neat
cement based grout in a few minutes, with a thorough wetting of the
individual cement grains. A thorough wetting allows a low watercement ratio grout to be pumped easily through the grout lines that run
from the plant to the pile. Without a colloidal plant, clumps of cement
will cling together, clogging injection lines, and ultimately yielding a
lower strength grout, because significant amounts of the cement grains
are not hydrated. Following a thorough mixing, the grout must be
stored in an agitation tank with agitation blades that constantly stir the
mixed grout, prolonging separation of the cement from the mix water.
With proper admixtures, grout life may be extended easily to a
working time of 6 hours, and in some cases, may be suspended
indefinitely until the reaction

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3. Installation - The micro pile contractor must keep accurate and

contemporaneous logs showing detailed installation information.
Boring logs are used for planning the pile installation, but in karst
conditions, rock head may vary greatly within a few feet of the boring.
In karst, it is conceivable that each pile will be unique in overall length,
un-bonded length, depth to rock head and sequencing of adequate
bearing stratum .The pile installation log is the only record of the
verification of the pile design dimensions and compositions having
been achieved. The pile installation log is also generates the pay items
for the project, such as drilled footage in soil as well as rock, and

amount of grout consumed. The contractor must be able to verify

through his logs that the design requirement of a given amount of rock
has been encountered in order to substantiate that a pile of the design
capacity has been installed.
In this way, Micro piles can be installed in low overhead clearance
(less than 3.5 m), in all types of soils and ground condition. Minimal
disturbance is caused during construction. Inclined micro piles can be
easily constructed. They are able to resist axial and lateral loads. Only
small volumes of earth to be excavated due to small diameter. Little
disturbance is caused during drilling through an existing structure due
to their small diameters. They can be drilled with boring machines that
do not cause much noise. Their high flexibility during seismic
conditions.

Outline of Design Steps:-

Review available project information

Review geotechnical data
Geotechnical design
Pile structural design

Combined geotechnical & structural design c

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Additional micro pile system considerations

Geotechnical End Bearing capacity

The design is done similar to end

bearing drilled shafts or driven
piles or may be based on
previous load test experience of
similar projects.
Qa =Qu/F.S
Qa= Allowable bearing capacity,
Qu= Ultimate bearing capacity
and
Safety factor=2.5
Elastic Displacement Criteria
When pile designs require displacement criteria, such as earthquake
analysis, it may be necessary to predict pile stiffness and deflection limits
during designs & confirm through load tests:
For an anchor or micropile, the elastic displacement can be approximated
by the following eq:
Elastic= PL/AE
Where, Elastic = Elastic component of total displacement,
P= Applied Load, L= Elastic length and AE= Stiffness of the section.

Selection of Micropile Cross Section:

For preliminary sizing, the micropile cross section will be selected based
on a rough estimate of the required structural section capable of resisting
the design loads. Also, the use of common casing sizes ispreferred to
avoid delays associated with material availability. Currently, the most
common casing sizes in the U.S. are 141 mm (5 in) and 178 mm (7 in)
with a nominal yield stress of 552 MPa (80 ksi) with the 178-mm (7-inch)
casing being the most common. These sizes refer to the outside diameter
of the casing. Other sizes are also available.

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The deflection of a pile group under a lateral load may be 2 to 3 times

larger than the deflection of a single pile loaded to the same intensity.

Holloway et al. (1981) and Brown et al. (1988) reported that piles in
trailing rows of pile groups have significantly less resistance to a lateral
load than piles in the lead row, and therefore exhibit greater deflections.
This is due to the pile-soil-pile interaction that takes place in a pile group.
For in-line micropiles, group effects are negligible for micropile spacing
between 6 to 7 diameters; andFor micropiles arranged in a row (i.e.,
perpendicular to the direction of loading), group effects are negligible for
micropile spacing just greater than 3 diameters. The lateral capacity of an
individual pile in a pile group is a function of its position in the group and
the center to center pile spacing.

LAYOUT OF A TYPICAL CENTRALIZER

Ultimate Bearing Capacity:

The ultimate bearing capacity of a pile used in

design may be one three values:
a) The maximum load Qmax, at which further
penetration occurs without the load
increasing.
b) calculated value Qf given by the sum of the
end-bearing and shaft resistances.
c) The load at which a settlement of 0.1 cm
diameter occurs (when Qmax is not clear).
Pile load tests as per IS: 2911 (Part 4) 1985, IS: 14893-2001
Typical ultimate bond values range from 1.0 to 1.75 MPa for smooth bars
and pipe, and 2.0 to 3.5 MPa for deformed bars (ACI 318).

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A pile loaded axially will carry the load:

a) Partly by shear stresses (ts) generated along the shaft of the pile.
b) Partly by normal stresses (qb) generated at the base.
The ultimate capacity Qf of a pile is equal to the base capacity Qb plus the
shaft capacity Qs.
Qf = Qb + Qs = Ab . qb + Sum(As . ts)
where ;Ab is the area of the base and As is the surface area of the shaft
within a soil layer.

Pile cased length structural capacity

Nominal allowable tensile strength can be determined by :Pt-allowable=0.55fy-steel [Afar + Acasing]

Compression-allowable load
Pc-allowable=0.4fc-grout Agrout+0.47 fy-steel [Abar +Acasing]
Where,
Pt-allowable = Allowable structural tensile strength
Pc-allowable = Allowable compressive strength
Agrout = Area of grout; Abar = Area of reinforcement
Acasing = Casing area.
Fy-steel= min. of Fy-bar & Fy-casing.

Effect on bearing capacity due to Ground Water :

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In cohesive soils, the permeability is so low that any movement of water is

very slow. They do not suffer any reduction in bearing capacity in the
presence of groundwater. In granular soils, the position of the water table is
important. Effective stresses in saturated sands can be as much as 50% lower

than in dry sand; this affects both the end-bearing and skin-friction capacity
of the pile.
In cohesive soils, the permeability is so low that any movement of water is
very slow.
They do not suffer any reduction in bearing
capacity in the presence of groundwater.
In granular soils, the position of the water table
is important.
Effective stresses in saturated sands can be as
much as 50% lower than in dry sand; this affects
both the end-bearing and skin-friction capacity
of the pile.
Effect on Construction
When a concrete cast-in-place pile is being
installed and the bottom of the borehole is
below the water table, and there is water in the
borehole, a 'tremie' is used.
With its lower end lowered to the bottom of the borehole, the tremmie is filled
with concrete and then slowly raised, allowing concrete to flow from the
bottom. As the tremie is raised during the concreting it must be kept below
the surface of the concrete in the pile.

Effects on piles in service

The presence of groundwater may lead to corrosion or deterioration of the
pile's fabric. In the case of steel piles, a mixture of water and air in the soil
provides conditions in which oxidation corrosion of steel can occur; the
presence of normally occurring salts in groundwater may accelerate the
process.
In the case of concrete piles, the presence of salts such as sulphates or
chlorides can result in corrosion of reinforcement, with possible
consequential bursting of the concrete. Therefore, adequate cover must be
provided to the reinforcement, or the reinforcement itself must be protected
in some way. Sulphate attack on the cement compounds in concrete may
lead to the expansion and subsequent cracking. Corrosion problems are
minimised if the concrete has a high cement/aggregate ratio and is well
compacted during placement.

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8. REFERENCES

i.

Micro-piles, IOSR journal of mechanical and civil engineering

ii.

http://www.moretrench.com/services_article.php?deep-foundationsmicropiles-www.moretrench.com-34

iii.

http://www.haywardbaker.com/whatwedo/techniques/structuralsuppo
rt/micropiles/default.aspx

iv.

http://www.nicholsonconstruction.com/deepfoundations/micropiles.as
px

v.

Use of micropiles in Texas bridges by john g. Delphia,

vi.

BEARING CAPACITY IMPROVEMENT USING MICROPILES: A

CASE STUDY by G.L. Sivakumar Babu1, B. R.Srinivasa Murthy2,
D.S. N. Murthy3, M.S. Nataraj4

vii.

Wikipedia

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