EFFICIENT SCREWING : last developments and Korean experience

The auger and screw piles have known an important evolution during the last decade. Besides the large success of augercast (CFA) piling systems, new systems have been developed combining, to a variable extent, the classical extraction auger with especially designed displacement tools in order to develop screw piles with partial or total lateral soil displacement. These last developments cover the whole range of lateral soil displacement and are more difficult than ever to compare. The authors present the latest evolutions in auger piling systems and compare them with respect to penetration performances, bearing capacities and amount of spoil generated. A special focus is given to a new efficient system: the OMEGA(H) pile in use in Korea since 1997. The results of the Hongcheon site are presented where this R system was applied for a new investment of the Korean National Housing Corporation (KNHC). This first important experience, with the execution of some 1,500 Omega piles with diameter 410 mm, is presented. The piles were installed through loose silty sands down to very dense sands and layers of gravel. The results of full-scale load tests are analysed and show the conformity with requirements of the clients.