Micropiles

High-capacity drilled deep foundation elements

For soft soil structural support

01/03
AEP Broadford Substation  |  Broadford, VA

The timber pile foundation of the century-old Prairie du Sac Dam was deteriorating due to historic tailwater recession. Micropiles were installed in a variety of different combinations to remediate the dam's foundation.

For bridge remediation and rehabilitation

02/03
Merchants Bridge  |  Granite City, IL

A historic, and busy, through-truss railroad bridge was in need of remediation due to new increasing freight weight and proximity to the New Madrid Fault System. We were contracted to install micropiles to upgrade the existing pier capabilities—an effort that took place on land and on the water.

03/03
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For soft soil structural support

01/02
AEP Broadford Substation  |  Broadford, VA

The timber pile foundation of the century-old Prairie du Sac Dam was deteriorating due to historic tailwater recession. Micropiles were installed in a variety of different combinations to remediate the dam's foundation.

For bridge remediation and rehabilitation

02/02
Merchants Bridge  |  Granite City, IL

A historic, and busy, through-truss railroad bridge was in need of remediation due to new increasing freight weight and proximity to the New Madrid Fault System. We were contracted to install micropiles to upgrade the existing pier capabilities—an effort that took place on land and on the water.

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What are micropiles?

Micropiles are high-performance, high-capacity drilled deep foundation elements  typically between 5–12 inches in diameter that can extend to depths of 200 feet and achieve working loads of over 200 tons. Micropiles are comprised of high-strength steel casing, rebar and grout.

How do they work?

Micropiles transfer the structural load through unsuitable soil layers to competent foundation soils.  The loads are transferred from the foundation through the steel and grout of the micropile and shed to surrounding rock or soil via high values of friction.

Why do you need micropiles?

Micropiles are generally used when there are difficult ground conditions, such as natural or man-made obstructions, sensitive ground with adjacent structures, limited access/low headroom and/or karstic geology.  They are commonly used to replace deteriorating foundation systems, for the renovation of structures, to support structures affected by adjacent construction, for seismic retrofitting or in-situ reinforcement including embankment, slope and landslide stabilization.

Nicholson’s advantage

Nicholson’s advantage

  • Pioneer in micropile design and installation.
  • In-house engineering team ready to optimize and value-engineer designs.
  • Extensive national experience gives us local knowledge of soil characteristics.
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Did you know?

Nicholson installed 536 micropiles at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to stabilize the structure, which had settled as much as 18 inches prior to opening.

Did you know?

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