What is ODEX Piling?
Piling is a well-known foundation technique known for its unmatched durability, steadiness, and foundational endurance. Different methodologies for installing piles exist, with ODEX piling being one of the primary types.
What is ODEX Piling?
ODEX is a short form of the Overburden Drilling Excentric, which alludes to a technique generally applicable to percussively drilled and cased pipes. This method utilises casing for the lining of the borehole while drilling through soil overburden prior to reaching strong rock. The standard hole diameter is about 5 inches, with an inner casing diameter of approximately 4 inches.
This piling technique is broadly implemented in endeavours where underground blockages are expected or when the design requires the pile to penetrate thick layers or rocky formations forming piles or rock sockets.
ODEX piling is distinguished by its capability to produce scarce levels of soil-borne vibration despite its ability to bore through the majority of blockages. This makes it a viable option for projects requiring minimum vibration impact.
When is ODEX Piling Employed?
ODEX is a piling technique designed for drilling through subsurfaces or unevenly surfaced objects, including rocks or boulders. It may be employed to wipe off unwanted material, drill through overburden, ground, and boulders, and place a metal casing into the hole along with the drill.
This piling type is extensively utilised on different projects such as:
- Residential Housing
- Commercial Development & Renovation
- Grand Scale Public Infrastructure Projects
- And Many More
ODEX piles are equally compatible with piled structural slabs, standard foundation beams, and pile cap applications. Apart from the formation of load-bearing piles, ODEX piling techniques are perfectly suitable for the formation of contiguous piled retaining walls.
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ODEX Piling Procedure
To guarantee a thorough understanding of the ODEX piling process, we at Alpha Piling LTD have divided up the process into elaborate steps for extensive guidance:
Rig Setup and Positioning: The rig is prepared for operational purposes and proceeded to the primary pile spot.
Drill String Insertion: A durable drill string is steadily lowered in the external casing or steel tubing. The drill head revolving quickly makes a hole with a diameter a little larger compared to the steel casing.
Hammering and Drilling Action: The steel casing is constantly impacted as the drilling bit knocks into the shoes inside it. Throughout the procedure, elevated-pressure air is discharged by means of the flushing holes, pushing the drilling bit and elevating the casing at the back.
Achieving the Target Depth: After the drilling bit arrives at the target depth, it is reverted. The drill is eventually removed from the casing by means of a reverse procedure, whereas the casing stays unchanged as the drill is drawn back.
Concrete or Grout Filling: After a durable bar is integrated, the pile is filled with either concrete or grout. Once the grouting or cementing is finished, the casing tube may be removed or left in position.
Pros and Cons of ODEX Piling
Let’s analyse the pros and cons of ODEX piling:
Pros:
The following are the pros of ODEX piling:
Accurate Drilling for Exact Alignment
ODEX piling provides even holes because of its drilling method, which guarantees the procedure is executed without any diversion, retaining the casing’s alignment and leading to accurate holes.
Powerful Penetration Capabilities
With unparalleled concentric and hammer penetration abilities, one can dig a little deeper by utilising the concentric patterns, whereas the hammer efficiently bursts through:
- Fractured Rocks
- Boulders
Efficient and Smoother Drilling Process
OPEX drilling is smoother and more effective compared to other drilling methods, which encompass a limited number of components, making it an easy process.
Durable, Low-Maintenance Equipment
ODEX machinery features reliable parts which are extremely resilient and need little maintenance in the long run.
Structural Stability with Permanent Casing
An integrally joined permanent casing ensures the pile’s structural stability when penetrating soft or loose topsoil.
Lightweight Rigs for Flexible Operations
ODEX piles can be formed utilising comparatively low-weight piling rigs, with few weighing not more than 2.5 tonnes.
Flexible Piling in Confined Spaces
ODEX piles can be established in spaces with a headroom starting from 2.5 metres.
Cons:
The following are the cons of ODEX piling:
Skilled Workforce Required
ODEX is a cutting-edge technique that requires experienced drill rig workers.
Time-Consuming Process
The process is time-intensive and demands careful implementation.
High Material Costs
The procedure comprises employing costly steel materials.
Expensive Equipment
It needs expensive compressors with adequate capacity.
Fuel Consumption
Colossal expenses are connected to the consumption of diesel.
For efficient piling solutions for your building endeavour, rely on the certified experts at Alpha Piling LTD. We offer holistic piling services for your convenience. If you want more details, feel free to get in touch with our team by dialling 01245 408742!