The Strauss pile foundation is one of the most effective approaches to ensure the concrete quality of a building. This method is well-known in the construction industry.
Constructing a Strauss pile foundation requires careful consideration of various factors, including the diameter and depth of the borehole. Here's the complete breakdown.
What Is Strauss Pile?
Strauss pile is a type of deep foundation in construction, created by manually digging the soil. The process uses an auger drill and is powered by human labor. The borehole for the foundation must be clean, which results in stronger and more durable concrete.
Although manually done, the process is simple and doesn't create much noise. Typically, Strauss piles are used for houses or buildings with 2-3 floors. The required depth for a Strauss pile borehole ranges from 6-10 meters with a diameter of 30 cm.
This foundation type is often chosen for soil with specific characteristics, such as clay, rocky ground, or limited space. Clay soils generally have low bearing capacity, so Strauss piles help reach more stable ground.
This foundation type on rocky soils allows deeper penetration to achieve stability. Construction sites with limited space can benefit from this foundation method.
This type of foundation is common for various construction projects, including multi-story buildings, bridges, piers, power plants, and transportation infrastructure. The structure is composed of several important components:
- Pile
- Pile tip
- Head plate
- Hydraulic device
- Control system
Strauss Pile Foundation Construction Method
Constructing a Strauss pile foundation requires a series of precise steps. The process includes the following steps:
- Preparation: Gather all necessary equipment before starting the drilling process, such as drill bits, pipes, rods, and other supporting tools.
- Drilling: This step involves pressing and rotating the drill bit into the ground. The soil sticking to the bit is lifted and removed. The process is repeated until the desired depth is reached.
- Reinforcing: This step involves creating spiral-shaped steel reinforcement with a thickness of about 0.8 cm and spacing between spirals of 15-20 cm. The spirals are assembled into a reinforcement framework.
- Pouring concrete: Before beginning the process, ensure the borehole is in good condition. If water is present in the hole, use a PVC pipe to guide the concrete into the borehole. Conversely, the concrete mixture can be poured directly when the hole is dry.
- Cutting the pile: After the concrete has dried, the pile can be cut to the required height. The final pile section will serve as the foundation for the structure to be built on top of it.
Here are the examples of Strauss pile foundation:
Source: boredpile
Source: pinterest
Functions of Strauss Pile Foundation
The Strauss pile foundation serves several crucial functions in construction. Here are the details:
- Handles heavy loads and provides the structural stability needed for buildings.
- Solves issues in areas with limited space or difficult access.
- Reduces overall construction time, making it more efficient.
- Saves on construction project costs.
- Minimizes the negative impact of vibrations on surrounding structures.
- Offers high adaptability to the environment, making it a suitable solution for areas with specific characteristics.
- Provides a strong and durable foundation.
- Produces a stable structure that remains safe for long-term use.
- Read also: 5 Building Materials for Earthquake-Resistant Construction
Advantages of Strauss Pile Foundation
The popularity of the Strauss pile foundation comes with reasons. Here are some advantages of using the Strauss pile foundation:
1. More Affordable
Strauss piles are known to be more affordable than other foundation methods. Despite the cost, the quality remains reliable.
The economic price can help reduce construction costs. The cost of this foundation varies depending on factors such as project location, size, soil conditions, pile specifications, per-meter pricing, and service provider rates.
2. Minimal Soil Cracking
Soil cracking during foundation installation is unavoidable. However, the Strauss pile method reduces this risk because it focuses on the lower layers of soil. Additionally, the process is environmentally friendly.
3. Efficient Process
This foundation doesn't require a long construction time, making it more efficient. Generally, the process can be completed in just one week. Also, it can be done without heavy machinery, making it suitable for areas that are hard to access with large equipment.
Disadvantages of the Strauss Pile Foundation
While it has several advantages, the Strauss pile foundation also has some disadvantages that should be considered:
1. Limited Depth
The maximum depth for this foundation is limited to around 10 meters. This makes it unsuitable for buildings taller than three stories, even though the work can be completed quickly.
2. Limited Diameter
Besides the limited depth, the diameter of the pile is also restricted to 20-25 cm, with a maximum of 40 cm. This depends on the size of the drill bit used. Larger buildings require larger Strauss pile diameters.
3. Risk of Porosity
Despite its simplicity, this foundation must be constructed by skilled professionals to avoid errors. There is a risk of porosity in the foundation if the concrete mixture doesn't meet the required standards.
Read also: 3 Applications of Recycled Building Materials for Construction
That’s all about the Strauss pile foundation in building construction. Constructing a Strauss pile foundation must be done efficiently to ensure a strong building base.
In this context, using high-quality building materials is essential. Semen Merah Putih simplifies the process of obtaining these materials. As a top producer of premium cement, Semen Merah Putih, through our subsidiary Merah Putih Beton, provides a wide range of concrete products, including precast and ready-mix options. You can choose the building materials that best meet your specific needs and preferences.
Reach out to us today to find the best solution for your construction project. Semen Merah Putih is committed to helping you succeed with outstanding materials and services.
Read also: Understanding the Importance of Concrete Structure Maintenance
