Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Obviously the experience of one contractor may not be representative of the industry
as a whole. Nevertheless, such surveys contribute to confidence that quality of con-
struction is high, and the accumulation of such data over a period should encourage
a higher standard of workmanship. No such comprehensive data on the quality of
driven piles is available, although defects in the pile body before installation are more
readily detected.
Construction of piled foundations is a skilled operation, and calls for a high level of
training and experience on the part of the contractor. Inexperience on the part of the
operatives, incorrect specifications or wrong selection of pile type are the sources of
many problems. Specialist contractors can avoid many of the pitfalls that lie in wait
for the unwary, and in difficult ground conditions advice from such firms should be
sought at the design stage.
