House at Herdade do Pinheirinho

Rotopile developed the foundation solution for a house at Herdade do Pinheirinho, in Melides, on a coastal site of high landscape value, with pines and vegetation to preserve.

The geotechnical report confirmed that the surface layers were fine sands, without enough strength for a shallow foundation. An indirect foundation was needed, anchored in the more competent sands at depth.

The choice was a partial raft on helical piles. Fifty-seven piles went in, in Ø114.3 × 9 mm shaft, 4 to 8 m long, in three types differing in helix count and length to follow the changing ground profile. Most were driven at a 15° rake, to steady the horizontal loads.

The site was reduced to a small area for stacking the tubes and a single excavator at work, leaving the surrounding pines and vegetation untouched. And like any helical pile, they are reversible. A good example of an indirect foundation on a sensitive site, where technical efficiency and respect for the environment weigh equally.

57 helical piles · Ø114.3 × 9 mm · 4 to 8 m · 15° rake · one excavator on site