Steel H-piles
Bearing piles are required when a structure cannot be founded on a shallow foundation. Tall structures, for example, often require deep foundations based on engineering principles. In other cases, the soils near the surface may not have the strength to support the structure. Thus, a deep foundation system must be designed to transfer the foundation loads down through the piles to carry the load.
H-piles are as wide as they are deep and have the same thickness in the flange and web. When compared to standard beams, the ‘H’ design of H-pile beams provides better weight distribution over a wider area, resulting in the ability to support larger and heavier structures. This allows the flexibility to build grander projects without risk of weakening beams. While they can be designed to utilize skin friction, their H-shaped geometry is highly effective at transferring loads through the pile body to the tip. Tests on individual piles have demonstrated load-bearing capacities exceeding 1,000 tons. These piles are most efficient in dense soils that offer tip resistance, thereby providing effective end-bearing capacity. When a pile system must be founded on rock, no piling system surpasses steel H-piles (also known as HBP or HP piles).
H-piles are manufactured by Nucor and make up the majority of the steel piles supplied by Nucor Skyline. Traditionally, H-piles were made in 8-, 10-, 12-, and 14-inch sizes. In recent years, the capacity of previous sections has nearly doubled with the addition of 16- and 18-inch piles. Like all steel produced in electric arc furnaces, H-piles are made from 100% scrap metal and are 100% recyclable. They can be extracted from the ground decades after use, making them one of the most environmentally friendly piling products.
H-piles are commonly used as load-bearing piles in deep foundation applications; they are driven into the ground to support bridges, buildings, factories, stadiums, and virtually any other type of structure. Additionally, H-piles are used in other applications, such as bracing systems for cofferdams and in soldier pile and lagging walls. Steel H-piles have been used in deep foundations and marine structures for over 100 years.
- Wide range of H-piles: HP 8x36 – HP 18x204
- Extensive inventory and material available for immediate delivery
- Available steel grades: A572, A588, A690, A709, A913; with yield strengths up to 65 ksi
- Single-piece lengths available up to 130 feet