When construction plans call for creating a
tall, especially large or heavy structure above the earth, work on the project
will generally begin far below the ground level. Helping ensure future structural
safety and stability often calls for placing a drilled shaft foundational
support system in place.
A drilled shaft, also called a drilled pier
or caisson, is a tall, cylindrical shaft that’s made from steel. Drilling
companies bore holes into the earth, drop the shaft and then fill it in
with concrete to provide stability to the foundation that will generally be
built on top. Several of these structures may be required to provide support
for the entire foundation. Once the drilled shafts are in place, work on the
foundation begins.
Since a drilled shaft may call for digging
more than 100 feet into the ground, dewatering may be required. This process is
used in conjunction with many excavation projects when the water table is
accessed during the drilling process. Dewatering involves pumping water out of
the excavation point so the drilled shaft can be placed and the concrete set
before the foundation is laid in place.
Providing structural support for a large
building often calls for a construction process that begins below the earth. In
many cases, a drilled shaft system may be required to ensure stability for what
will be eventually be built. When there’s a need to provide stability for a
large project, a drilling company with expertise in drilled shaft
construction and dewatering can get the job done right.
