Project Overview: Expert Foundation Solutions for Challenging Residential Plots
A tight residential plot in Horsham, characterised by soft ground conditions and the need for a deep foundation, presented a unique engineering challenge. Our team, specialists in piling and ground engineering, devised a bespoke solution: the installation of 18 Sectional Flight Auger (SFA) piles. These bored piles, renowned for their low-noise and low-vibration installation, were seamlessly paired with a reinforced concrete (RC) raft slab, forming a single, integrated piled raft foundation.
This innovative foundation design effectively combines the load-spreading efficiency of a traditional raft footing with the deep anchorage provided by piling. By extending below the low-strength soils, our piled raft foundation system delivers a profoundly robust building base that significantly surpasses the performance of many other types of building foundations. This project powerfully demonstrates the critical importance of selecting the right foundation solution when facing demanding ground conditions and highlights our proficiency as leading foundation contractors.
Scope of Works & Key Details: Efficient SFA Piling and RC Raft Construction
Our detailed scope of works for this residential foundation project ensured a streamlined and effective delivery:
Element | Specification | Added Value |
|---|---|---|
SFA Pile Installation | Eighteen low-noise SFA piles strategically positioned to perfectly match the building's footprint. | Provided deep, vibration-free foundation support with minimal disruption to adjacent properties and neighbours, ideal for residential construction. |
RC Raft Slab | A reinforced concrete raft slab (also known as an RC concrete slab) precisely poured over the pile grid, serving as the project's primary slab foundation. | Combined the inherent stability of deep piles with the superior, even load distribution of a ground-bearing slab. This resulted in a highly cost-effective concrete floor slab that was durable and immediately ready for subsequent fit-out. |
Construction Process | Thorough site preparation and precise set-out of the foundation footprint. Bored pile drilling executed using the advanced SFA method and quiet, modern plant equipment. Careful concrete placement to form the piles, with continuous, simple quality checks throughout the process. Raft foundation formwork and reinforcement were expertly set in a single, efficient operation. The concrete pour for the RC slab followed, with standard curing procedures and a comprehensive handover. | By expertly integrating SFA piles with a seamless raft foundation detail, we achieved a clean, quiet construction sequence and delivered a more economical concrete floor than a traditional trench footing. The Horsham extension now stands on a highly optimized foundation system, designed to effectively manage both vertical load and mitigate the risks of future ground movement. This case study is compelling evidence that investing in the right pile foundation solution provides lasting benefits and long-term structural integrity. |
Our customers love us
We reached out to a few companies and Direct Pilling were the most professional from the 1st engagement and throughout the whole process. I dealt with Ricky first and then Barrie both brothers that run the family business. I was kept up to date throughout the whole process. I would recommend Direct Piling to anyone that needs any of their services.
Kate & Dan Levene
We chose the Direct Piling for our extension. The sales person Ben was extremely helpful with his comments and always available to discuss matters and never missed a call back. Ricky the project manager explained what was happening throughout the procedure with phone calls and I must mention Rachel for any issues we had. Overall very good job done.
Kevin Brown
Direct Piling have certainly exceeded expectations. Clear communication from the Estimating / Design / Project Management team at the start of the project. Site visit by their PM ahead of commencing works to ensure that we were fully aware of the Piling gangs requirements.
Ray Brinklow
Very good professional team of people from workforce to admin very pleased all round would definitely recommend this company
Kim Hart
What a breath of fresh air to deal with a company that exceeds all of your expectations. Direct Piling are that company. From my first contact with Barrie in the office to the two hardworking men, Dan and Lenny who carried out the job, I have been so impressed with their professionalism, capability and friendliness. Along the way I also met Shane, Dave and Jairo all added positively to the experience,Thank you for a job ‘very well done’.
Karan Dixit
Recently used Direct Piling for a project and was very pleased with their services, From the initial consultation through to final completion all went smoothly. As it was our first time using a piling system they helped us understand the processes and options for design, we look forward to working with you on future projects!
Sophie Walters
Direct Piling are a really nice family business that we couldn't recommend more highly. We had a 14m x 11m foundation concrete slab with mini piles completed within their estimation of 4 weeks from start to finish and on quote. The building inspector said he wished all his clients were up to their standards! From my many phone calls with Ben from the outset through to Ricky, Barrie and Shane (3 brothers) they are all so friendly and helpful especially as we were project managing ourselves and needed some help. Shane stood out as a very hard worker who started early every morning, talked things through daily and is a real perfectionist, particularly with his shuttering! Nothing was too much trouble and easy to speak to any of them on the phone. Very pleased with the end result and would definitely use them again.
Andy Wigmore
Direct Piling have just finished building a king post retaining wall in the back garden. Have to say very impressed with their team's work ethic. Very friendly guys, neat and tidy and very helpful. Would definitely use them again should the need arise, can't recommend them enough
Martyn
