Grundomat Piles

The Grundomat method is an air driven piling system, which uses compressed air to drive the piles. The compressed air can be supplied from outside the piling area, using very small machinery and generates minimal vibration making it a useful technique for restricted access sites and in underground environments. Grundomat bottom driven mini piling uses compressed air to drive steel tubes ranging from 100 mm to 150 mm diameter driven until a pre-determined set is reached. Extra tube sections can be welded together as required until the design depth is reached.

Construction sequence

1. The tube is positioned accurately over the set-out position and a pneumatic mole is used to compact a plug at the base of the tube and bottom driving commences
2. Welding of extra tube sections is initiated as required and continuation of the bottom driving and repetition of the welding continues as driving advances
3. Driving of the pile ends when the pre-determined set, or design depth is reached
4. Reinforcement is placed within the steel tubes
5. The steel tube is filled with either concrete or grout.

Fields of application

In confined, narrow and difficult to access working areas, including basement and underground sites
At locations where noise or vibrations need to be limited
Small house extensions; garden rooms, orangeries, conservatories, porches in residential areas

Environmental impact

Minimal vibration generated
Limited noise pollution
No soil removal
No piling rig required
Mobile method (the compressed air can be supplied from outside the restricted area with little disruption)

Technical specifications

Standard diameters 100 up to 150 mm
Allowable bearing capacity up to 90 kN

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