Micropiles (mini piles, pin piles, needle piles, and root piles) are deep foundation elements constructed using high-strength, small-diameter steel casing and/or threaded bars.
Process
The micropile casing generally has a diameter in the range of 3 to 10 inches. Typically, the casing is advanced to the design depth using a drilling technique. Reinforcing steel, typically an all-thread bar is inserted into the casing. High-strength cement grout is then pumped into the casing. The casing may extend to the full depth or end above the bond zone, with the reinforcing bar extending to the full depth.
This technique has been used to support most types of structures. Keller’s micropile drill rigs allow installation in restricted access and low-headroom interiors, allowing facility upgrades with minimal disruption to normal operations.
Keller can combine our micropile technology with one or more of our other ground modification techniques to meet unique or complex project requirements cost-effectively and efficiently. Lines of micropiles spanned by wooden lagging can be ideal where excavation walls are required in low headroom and other confined areas. Post-grouting within the bond length can increase frictional forces with surrounding soils and achieve greater capacity. Micropiles can serve to “stitch” the soil together within predicted shear zones to enhance mass stability. In liquefiable profiles, micropiles can transfer loads to competent bearing strata to follow seismic design requirements.
3D animation
Application for slope stabilization
Select a technique:
Common uses
- Provide structural support to most structures
- Underpin foundations
- Enhance mass stability
- Transfer loads
Advantages
- Resists compressive, uplift/tension, and lateral loads
- Comprehensive fleet of rigs and tooling for difficult subsurface conditions and limited access
- May avoid utility re-routing
- Alleviates quality assurance concerns associated with cast-in-place piling in weak soils
- Can be combined with other techniques to meet unique or complex project requirements cost-effectively and efficiently
Quality assurance
The finished micropile (mini pile) resists compressive, uplift/tension, and lateral loads and is typically load tested following ASTM D 1143 (compressive), ASTM D 3689 (uplift/tension), and ASTM D 3966 (lateral). Capacities vary depending on the micropile size and subsurface profile. Allowable compressive capacities of more than 500 tons have been achieved.
Related projects
Infrastructure
ADA upgrades at 14th Street
Keller provides groundwater control and excavation support solutions to facilitate ADA upgrades to NYC subway stations.
Infrastructure
Teton Pass: The Big Fill Slide
Keller provides rapid design and mobilization to perform slope stabilization following a major landslide along Teton Pass.
Commercial
Parcel 12
Keller provides deep foundations and excavation support for the first air rights development project over the Massachusetts Turnpike since the 1980s. The project, Parcel 12, earned the 2025 DFI Outstanding Project Award.
Power
Stair Tower Foundations
Keller installs low-headroom micropiles to provide shoring and deep foundations at live upgrader plant.
Infrastructure
Bucklin Point Sewage Treatment Plant
Adjacent to the Seekonk River, the Narragansett Bay Commission is upgrading the Bucklin Point Sewage Treatment Plant.
