Hyundai Engineering participated in the joint development of the 'construction method for PHC piles using detachable auxiliary piles,' which has been designated as Construction New Technology No. 1022 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The Construction New Technology from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is a government-designated new technology for construction methods that are recognized for their novelty, advancement, and applicability in the field, either having been developed for the first time in Korea or improved upon by being imported from abroad.
The 'construction method for installation' is a technique where piles that support the foundational structures of a building are inserted directly into the ground from the surface without excavating down to the foundation bottom (the lowest part of the building). Due to this characteristic, it can be effectively utilized in urban areas where space is limited or in sites where excavation is difficult. The existing construction method required separate installation of piles and detachable auxiliary piles. The process involved dropping the pile into a pre-drilled hole and then striking the upper part of the pile with the auxiliary pile, which sometimes led to the pile being damaged or the impact energy not being efficiently delivered.
The newly developed technology combines the pile and the auxiliary pile into a 'integrated structure' during installation. A lid (finish plate) with a ring is installed on the top of the pile, to which an auxiliary pile that includes a 'lever' device is securely attached, allowing for simultaneous installation. By utilizing a pile driver in this process, the pile can be positioned precisely, reducing the risk of damage and allowing for efficient delivery of impact energy, thereby effectively decreasing the number of installations.
After the installation is complete, the auxiliary pile can be easily detached by turning the lever, which is why it is referred to as 'detachable auxiliary pile.' Additionally, the finish plate installed on the top of the pile prevents the inflow of cement milk into the pile, which contributes to preventing a decrease in the load-bearing capacity of the pile or a buoyancy phenomenon (the phenomenon of the pile floating up).
A representative from Hyundai Engineering noted, 'The detachable auxiliary pile construction method is a technology that enhances construction capability, quality, and safety, and it is expected to set a new standard in the field of foundation work.'