Technically optimised pile concept (TOPIC)

Objective

A growing pressure on environmental constraints obliges to rethink construction processes. New EC directives on protection of groundwater will soon oblige to review concrete formulations to avoid pollution potential to water resources.

These social problems lead to the development of a new approach for the execution of foundations, with:
- a new method of pile installation acceptable in urban environment, to minimise soil waste and improve the bearing capacity;
- a quality assessment system, to control in real time the piling process and integrating an automated positioning of the machine and a remote control of the concrete (quantity, viscosity, regulation of the flow);
- new formulations of concrete with an improved working stress, added with silica fumes, to eliminate the leaching potential of organic additives.

The development will be supported by an extensive research to simulate (numerical model, small scale model) the drilling process. A field test will be organised at the end of the project to validate the research.

Programme(s)

• FP5-GROWTH - Programme for research technological development and demonstration on "Competitive and sustainable growth 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.3.-1. - Key Action Innovative Products, Processes and Organisation

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (6)