A Novel Ground Improvement and Deep Foundation System Using PAILEs-Paper

Paper

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The paper presents PAILE, a proposed ground-improvement and deep-foundation system designed to install reinforced-concrete piles with enlarged bases in one continuous operation. It combines screw-pile displacement methods with a telescoping auger. The auger is screwed to the required depth, then extended to form and compact soil beneath an enlarged base while concrete is pumped in as the auger is withdrawn. The base-forming force is measured directly, providing an in-situ estimate of bearing resistance and allowing pile depth to be adjusted if capacity is insufficient.<br /><br />The system aims to improve load–settlement performance by preloading the soil beneath the base, while using less material than conventional piles. Its displacement-based installation is intended to produce little spoil, ground vibration or heave, and to require smaller equipment and less substantial working platforms. The authors also propose using measurements from installed piles to build a site-wide ground-risk profile and optimise design.<br /><br />Scaled trials in loose sand demonstrated that an enlarged base could be formed and grout placed during auger withdrawal, with no spoil generated. However, these trials did not assess pile load performance; larger, instrumented trials were ongoing.<br /><br />A simplified 2019 Brisbane cost comparison estimated total costs of AUD 225,000 for PAILE, compared with AUD 448,000–740,000 for five alternative pile systems. This illustrative result suggests substantial potential savings, but is based on estimated rates and a specific development scenario.<br /><br />Overall, PAILE’s proposed advantages are efficient material use, rapid installation, reduced site impacts, and capacity verification during construction. Its performance and cost benefits require confirmation through full-scale testing and broader field applications.

Keywords

PAILE

ground-improvement

deep-foundation

reinforced-concrete piles

enlarged base

telescoping auger

screw-pile displacement

bearing resistance

load-settlement performance

cost comparison