Micropiles

Are elements with a load-bearing capacity lower than traditional piles, but are necessary in works where the execution of conventional piles is not feasible, either due to the nature of the soils to be drilled, access difficulties, etc. They are applied in underpinning, retaining walls, and soil consolidations. Typically, they have diameters ranging from 100 to 355 mm, injecting the inner core of the borehole with cement grout or mortar and providing reinforcement formed by steel bars or tubular sections. Micropiles with larger diameters can sometimes be created using conventional pile casting techniques. Drilling systems vary widely, generally using a fluid (air/water) to evacuate the debris generated while cooling the cutting heads. When the terrain is unstable with risks of collapse of the borehole walls, various systems are used for containment: bentonite muds, recoverable casings, chemical foams, etc.

The choice of drilling method depends on the terrain to be traversed, considering that a clean borehole must remain to allow for correct injection and subsequent adhesion to its walls. Micropiles can be installed under very strict clearance conditions, in any direction, and in any type of terrain.