Ground improvement
Unreinforced Concrete Piles
Controlled ground improvement with concrete columns.
Method overview
Controlled ground improvement with concrete columns.
Here, the Turkish term ‘Plastik Kazık’ refers to unreinforced concrete piles or columns used for ground improvement, rather than piles made from polymers. The solution is assessed through load sharing between columns and soil and their settlement behaviour.
Composite behaviour
The design considers the soil and concrete columns working together.
Settlement management
Soil–structure interaction is considered to limit deformation.
Project-specific construction
Column geometry and concrete properties are selected for the project requirements.
CONCRETE INCLUSIONS
Installation stages
Investigation and design
The ground report, loads and improvement objectives are assessed together.
Drilling and layout
Column points are set out; drilling and bore stability methods follow the design.
Concrete column installation
Unreinforced concrete columns are formed using the specified installation method and material properties.
Verification and foundation
Construction records and tests are assessed; a load transfer layer is prepared where specified.
Applications
- Residential and commercial projects requiring ground improvement
- Industrial facility and warehouse foundations
- Suitable soils where settlement control is required
Quality and site control
Column position, diameter, length, concrete volume and material properties are checked. Testing and acceptance criteria are defined in the specification. The design approach differs from reinforced structural piles; the foundation–column connection follows the project design.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the term ‘Plastik Kazık’ used?
In Turkish ground improvement terminology, this name can refer to unreinforced concrete columns or piles. That is the meaning used on this page.
Can it directly replace a bored structural pile?
It cannot be substituted directly. Structural piles and ground improvement solutions require separate assessment of load transfer, deformation and connection conditions.
Every sound project starts with the right foundation.
Contact Geofond to assess the ground investigation, structural loads and site requirements together.