Innovative Pile Technologies in Modern Foundation Construction

Abstract

The article considers innovative pile technologies that can significantly increase the load-bearing capacity of reinforced concrete piles by increasing the friction forces on the side surface of hanging piles. The authors developed designs of modular reinforced concrete piles for the perception of various combinations of external influences, and also studied the influence of the granulometric composition of the soil adjacent to the pile body on its load-bearing capacity. The study included dynamic tests of t-shaped and square piles, theoretical studies of the interaction of t-shaped piles with clay soil by mathematical modeling, and the selection of the composition and distribution of coarse-grained filler around the pile developed by the authors with “pockets” (cavities) during its driving. The developed innovative solutions allow increasing the angle of internal friction of the soil adjacent to the reinforced concrete pile, while increasing the load-bearing capacity.

Adoption of innovative technologies in the South African construction industry

“…Innovative construction methods and technologies which enhance the construction process are most important in the competitive construction industry more than ever (Pisano, 2015). When firms adopt innovative technologies, it increases the chances of accruing benefits in project cost, overall productivity, product quality, completion times, competitiveness, company and process sustainability (Kocherzhenko et al , 2021).…”

“…According to Dy-Buncio (2017), innovation can be achieved through advances in technology resulting in increased safety, decreased absenteeism, decreased costs, enhanced quality and higher productivity, and overall shorter implementation periods. Innovative technologies in construction have also enhanced construction delivery variables such as cost efficiency, strength, energy efficiency and sustainability indices (Rai and Rao, 2005; Baranova, 2020; Kocherzhenko et al , 2021). Despite the apparent benefits to be gained, it appears that many construction firms continue to operate by means of conventional methods rather than learning and adopting new methods (Akintoye et al , 2012).…”