Precast concrete piles do not generate the spoil of those cast in-situ and Centrum claims a greater load bearing capacity per cubic metre of concrete. These advantages, coupled with a national tax on raw materials and landfill tax on the disposal of spoil associated with cast in-situ piling operations, has boosted demand for pre-cast concrete piles.

Centrum has invested extensively in new concrete batching, transfer and mould filling equipment and fully robotic pile cage fabrication.

A special self-compacting concrete which flows into the pile moulds without the need for vibration has played a major part in the development of Centrum's manufacturing capacity. Piles can be stripped within 16 hours and installed with a six tonne hammer within ten days. The factory recently produced a record 16,500 linear metres in a week.

In addition to the standard piles, Centrum has also been manufacturing 600mm square section reinforced concrete piles since last summer to support a section of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link running across the soft West Thames marshes.

Aarsleff Piling is installing over 3,000 of these huge piles for main contractor Morgan=Vinci.

MJ Information 17938