Use of the Impression Pile to Reduce Carbon EmissionsÂ-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

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The Impression Pile is a foundation technology intended to reduce the carbon footprint of pile construction. It uses a hollow pile and low-carbon concrete, and aims to reduce material use, waste and operational emissions. Its enhanced geotechnical capacity can also enable shorter piles and reusable foundations.<br /><br />The technology was assessed through 15 centrifuge tests at 50g, involving more than 50 piles in Speswhite kaolin clay. The tests compared plain reference piles with piles featuring surface nodules. Results showed increased pile capacity, with gains of at least 40% reported for a suitable nodule arrangement. Nodule number, spacing and length influence performance; spacing can determine whether nodules act together as a block or individually.<br /><br />A theoretical framework was developed to predict capacity, alongside a practical design method based on an equivalent pile diameter. Both showed good agreement with measured results, and the practical method was conservative. Centrifuge findings also agreed well with field data, supporting the technology’s potential to scale beyond model testing.<br /><br />Higher shaft capacity can allow shorter piles than conventional straight-shafted alternatives. This could reduce concrete consumption, excavated waste and vehicle movements, providing significant environmental benefits.

Keywords

Impression Pile

foundation technology

carbon footprint reduction

hollow pile

low-carbon concrete

geotechnical capacity

centrifuge tests

surface nodules

equivalent pile diameter

shorter piles