In construction, the success of a project doesn't rely on an elegant design or a magnificent structure but also on a solid and stable foundation. Hence, the spun pile plays an important role in ensuring the safety and durability of building structures.
In this article, we will discuss the spun pile, including its functions, advantages, and types, ranging from wood to concrete. Let's learn more about it here!
What Is a Spun Pile?
A spun pile is a tool that provides stability and strength to the building structure. It binds the building to the ground or rock surface, ensuring the building does not shift or collapse.
The spun pile has a long and cylindrical shape with pointed ends. Its pointed shape at the end plants the pile into the ground.
Spun piles are often used as foundations in various constructions, such as toll road structures, buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. For example, spun piles are planted in the ground to provide strong support, making the fence not easily wobble or collapse when receiving pressure.
Likewise, spun piles are used as supports when building staircases, ensuring the structure remains sturdy and safe.
Spun Pile Functions
As mentioned above, the spun pile helps provide stability and strength to the building structure. The detailed explanation of its functions is as follows:
- Binding the building to the ground: In the construction stage, spun piles help tie the building to the ground or other hard surfaces which helps it remain upright and stable.
- Prevents shifting: Spun piles prevent the shifting of the soil around the building, thus minimizing the risk of collapse.
- Balances pressure: In carrying the weight of the building, spun piles help balance and evenly distribute the load into the ground, preventing excessive pressure that could damage the building structure.
- Reduces vibration: Spun piles can help dampen vibrations generated by various factors, such as human activity or nature. With a solid foundation, the environment inside the building will be more stable despite vibrations, such as earthquakes or strong winds.
Spun Pile Advantages
Spun piles have several advantages that make them an important component in the construction structure. They're made of steel or concrete, which helps them withstand the pressure and large loads of the building structure.
Spun piles are also available in several forms, such as wooden, steel, and concrete. This allows contractors to choose the type most suitable for their project.
Along with their availability, spun piles are known for their stability. They can prevent shifting or collapse, ensuring buildings stand firmly for many years.
Furthermore, spun piles help minimize the risk of damage. With their ability to withstand loads and dampen vibrations, they can reduce the risk of damage to the building structure. This will extend the lifespan of the building and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Last but not least, spun piles are durable materials in various conditions. Even when used in slightly risky soil, a spun pile can still prove to be a reliable element.
Read also: Effective Tips to Save Money on Building Material Costs
Spun Pile Types
If you wonder what various spun pile types are made of, read the following explanation:
1. Wooden Spun Piles
People often choose wooden spun piles because of their wide availability and affordable price. The installation requires simple tools like a hammer. Hence, the wooden spun pile is an ideal choice for temporary or light construction projects.
However, wooden-spun piles tend to have a low resistance to weather and pest attacks, such as termites. This characteristic makes them less suitable for either long-term projects or projects with heavy loads.
2. Steel Spun Piles
Steel-spun piles are the top choice for permanent construction projects or projects with heavy loads. They have high strength and are resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for building foundations, main structures, or fences.
However, steel-spun piles tend to be more expensive than wooden ones. You also need additional, heavier tools to install them. That said, this investment is worth the long-term reliability.
3. Concrete Spun Piles
This product is characterized by long poles with sizes varying from 6 to 24 meters, circular with a cavity in the middle that is between 300 mm and 1200 mm in diameter.
As a prestressed product, it can transmit vertical and horizontal loads to the ground.
Spun piles can be used in almost all types of soil and can withstand loads with a capacity of up to 800 tons.
Concrete spun piles can benefit the construction of high-rise building structures, bridges, docks, and overpasses. For concrete quality, spun piles fall into the high concrete quality category up to K-500.
Read also: Knowing the Importance of Concrete Treatment
Geotechnical Considerations
Geotechnics is a branch of civil engineering that studies the properties of soil and rock. In construction projects, geotechnical analysis helps determine the right type of spun pile. Soil strength, density, and moisture affect the selection and installation of a spun pile.
Soft soils require longer or stronger spun piles, such as those made of steel or concrete. On the other hand, hard soils may require special installation techniques and heavy equipment. In addition, environmental factors such as groundwater and earthquake risk should also be considered. For example, concrete spun piles are most suited in earthquake-prone areas as they can withstand vibrations well.
Care and Maintenance of Spun Piles
Once installed, spun piles require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly. Wooden spun piles need a thorough inspection to ensure there is no damage from pests or weathering. If you find any damages, you should replace the spun pile or repair it immediately.
A regular check for steel-spun piles can help detect signs of corrosion. If there is corrosion, you need to perform the anti-rust coating treatment. Meanwhile, concrete spun pile maintenance includes checking for cracks or structural damage. When you find damages, repair the spun pile immediately to prevent further damage.
With proper maintenance, spun piles can provide reliable and durable support for buildings, reduce the risk of structural failure, and ensure the safety and stability of buildings in the long run.
That was all about spun piles, their functions, advantages, and types. When selecting building materials, you should pay attention to the quality. Aside from spun piles, another construction material that can build a stronger structure is cement.
Through our subsidiary, Merah Putih Beton, we provide solutions for ready-mix concrete, precast concrete, Value Added Solution, and aggregate needs. We provide high-quality ready-mix concrete that complies with the latest construction standards, as well as efficient and durable precast concrete for various projects.
Our Value Added Solution includes consulting services and innovative product development to support your construction needs. In addition, we also provide quality aggregates that are essential to ensuring the stability and strength of building structures.
Contact us now to get the best construction solution for your project! We are ready to help you achieve project success with superior concrete products and services.
Read also: Smart Tips for Choosing High Quality Cement
