Pretensioned spun high-strength concrete (PHC) piles are an economical deep foundation system with superior quality and consistency compared to conventional cast in situ/pre-cast concrete piles. These piles have a hollow section with an outer diameter ranging from 300 to 1200 mm. The piles can easily join any combination of lengths as per design requirements. A conventional hammer can be used for driving PHC piles without any special requirements.
PHC piles are widely used around the world for power projects, bridges, high-rise buildings, marine structures, etc. They are popular in countries like Japan, Germany, China, South Korea, and in the Southeast Asia region. They have low unit weight and lower cost of manufacturing due to their hollow section. Higher-strength of concrete enables pile driving through hard strata. Better product quality is achieved due to manufacturing in the factory environment. The piles have high flexural strength and resistance against corrosion in the marine environment. The higher production rate of the piles ensures the early completion of the project. The complete manufacturing process is carried out inside the factory eliminating the need for a casting yard at the site. The piles can be driven 10 days after manufacturing due to high early strength.
PHC Piles Vs. RC Square Piles
• Larger section provides high bearing capacity and reduces the number of piles
• Lesser drivability resistance due to hollow section reduces the installation cost
• Reduction in the construction period
• Faster delivery to the projects site
• Better quality and higher productivity due to manufacturing in factory
• Cost of transportation is less due to lower pile weight
• Higher tensile strength due to pre-tensioning