Use of polymers for accelerating pile sinking

Summary

1. Piles sink more easily when coated with polymers, bentonite pastes or liquid glass, and the average amount of work involved can be reduced by 25%.

2. The coating remains as a fine binding film on the flanks of the pile throughout the insertion so that the friaction of ground and pile surfaces is reduced.

3. In the present test the bearing capacity of piles coated with PAA and bentonite pastes increased more rapidly than uncoated piles.

4. Coatings can also be used to assist the sinking of cofferdams, caissons, and sheet piling. For this the concentration and amount of setting agent should be such that the polymer hardens after the planned depth of sinking has been reached.