Piles should be pressed smoothly to minimize soil setup effects during pauses.
Successful pile jacking begins with a comprehensive Soil Investigation (SI). In Singapore’s varied geology—ranging from the soft marine clays of the Kallang Formation to the hard Bukit Timah Granite—understanding the soil profile is critical. Good practice dictates that SI boreholes should be deep enough to capture the bearing stratum. This data allows engineers to estimate the required Jacking Force (JF) and avoid unexpected "refusal" where the pile cannot penetrate further. Equipment Calibration and Setup
In the dense, high-stakes urban environment of Singapore, foundation construction is a discipline defined by constraints: tight project schedules, proximity to existing Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) tunnels, strict noise pollution regulations, and the omnipresent soft marine clay of the Kallang Formation. For decades, driven piles (using hammers) were the default solution for transferring heavy structural loads to competent bearing strata. However, the environmental and technical demands of modern Singapore have accelerated a shift toward a quieter, more controlled method: . Piles should be pressed smoothly to minimize soil
Should we focus on a specific soil type like the or Old Alluvium ?
: The pressure gauges and load cells of the hydraulic jacking rig must possess valid calibration certificates from an accredited laboratory in Singapore. This ensures that the pressure readings accurately reflect the actual load applied to the pile. Good practice dictates that SI boreholes should be
The termination of a jacked pile is not solely based on depth but on a rigorous "set" verification process: Jacking Force ( Pjcap P sub j
Operators must log the jacking pressure at every 0.5-meter to 1-meter interval. Sudden drops in pressure may indicate pile breakage or soft soil strata, while sudden spikes indicate boulders or hard strata refusal. Splicing and Joint Integrity For decades, driven piles (using hammers) were the
Piles should be installed from the inside out (away from existing structures) to prevent trapping and compressing soil towards adjacent assets. 6. Termination Criteria and Quality Assurance