Micropile Drilling Rigs

Drill rigs have become a common site in the commercial construction foundation industry due to their advantages over conventional piling practices.

In a traditional commercial construction project, geotechnical engineers conduct a study that provides them with data that is pertinent to the base of the planned structure. Projects that need additional foundational support can be "shored up" utilizing piles. Piles are long objects made most often of concrete, steel, or lumber that are driven into the ground utilizing a machine known as a pile driver.

In large commercial operations, vibratory driver / extractor machines or diesel hammer pile drivers are often utilized due to their efficiency and effectiveness. These massive machines require vast areas to move and swing during their operation; vibratory driver / extractors require being mounted to a giant crane. Often in densely populated areas the large tracks of land necessary to operate these machines is not available. Fortunately for job sites that experience limitations regarding space, a viable alternative to conventional pile driving applications has evolved over the last few decades; micropile drill rigs.

Drill rigs can replace the effort typically performed by traditional piling machines. Drill rigs are much smaller than their counterparts, but still maintain the same conceptual design. Their versatility and power have made them a critical element in the development of micropile solutions.

One of the features that make a micropile drilling rig valuable is its ability to operate in confined spaces where larger machines would not be able to access. The machines are based on a set of tracks that permit it to move across job sites with ease. Recent advances in emissions technology allow for a low quantity of exhaust fumes; which is important when the machine is being operated in confined spaces or areas in close proxies to the general public. Some drill rigs are now capable of being operated by remote control.

Foundation support improvements also occurs on existing structures, to reinvent a failing foundation. Many times the challenges that are present may include limited headroom. Certain specialty drill rigs afford the operation in these limited areas. Detachable power units and 120 degree side-to-side mast rotation is designed to work in confined spaces that would typically prohibit operation in most situations. These attributes have allowed the reinforcement of countless older foundations with minimal impact on the existing structure.

International Construction Equipment (ICE) is located in Matthews, NC and has been manufacturing premiere construction equipment for over 25 years. Their product line includes a variety of top of the line pile driving equipment including drill rigs especially designed for micropile applications.