Micro Piles: Engineering & Installation

Micropiles are small-diameter, high-strength friction piles, which means they transfer building loads into the surrounding ground primarily through surface friction along the pile shaft, rather than relying solely on end-bearing at the tip. This makes them extremely versatile and dependable for foundation repair in a wide range of soil conditions. 

Unlike helical piles, which may be limited by very dense soils or rock, micropiles can be installed in virtually any type of soil, including loose sands, swelling clays, cobbles, boulders, and weathered bedrock. Their adaptability and high load capacity make them a proven solution for micropile engineering, especially in challenging scenarios like steep slope stabilization, where other foundation systems may fail.

Micropiles are the ideal solution for foundation repair in sites where traditional foundations or helical piles are not practical. On steep slopes with no room for a setback, micropiles can be employed for anchorage and stabilization, providing strength and safety where other systems cannot. They excel in soils composed of loose cobbles or large boulders, where excavation and recompaction would be costly, disruptive, or even impossible. Instead of removing the challenging material, micropile engineering allows for drilling directly through the stratum and grouting in place, creating a deep, high-capacity foundation system that adapts to the ground conditions on site.

Micropiles are among the most versatile foundation systems, utilized in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. They are particularly beneficial in situations where other foundation types cannot be implemented. Common applications include: 

Foundation repair and underpinning – stabilizing and lifting homes or cabins that have settled. 

Steep slope stabilization and anchorage – providing deep support where setbacks are not feasible. 

Retrofitting and working in confined access sites – maneuvering around existing structures or in areas with limited equipment access. 

Commercial and industrial support – capable of carrying heavy loads from steel buildings, mezzanines, and retaining walls. 

Rocky or boulder-filled soils – drilled directly through strata that would hinder helical piles from advancing. 

High groundwater areas – where excavation and conventional foundations are impractical. 

With the capabilities of micropile engineering to penetrate almost any soil type, including dense cobbles and weathered rock, micropiles offer a safe and permanent solution for challenging sites.

At BC Foundations, we don’t just specialize in micropile engineering — we provide a comprehensive service that includes both engineering and installation of micropiles. All of our foundation repair designs adhere to EGBC guidelines, BCBC 2024, and the Canadian Foundation Engineering Manual (4th Edition), ensuring safety and compliance in every project, including those focused on steep slope stabilization.

By offering our own engineering services, we can adapt our designs in the field as conditions evolve, preventing costly delays and redesign fees. This capability allows us to complete projects on time and within the agreed price, eliminating the uncertainty that often arises when contractors depend on external engineers who may not be available on site.

With BC Foundations, you gain a partner that is fully accountable from design through installation, delivering foundation repair projects with precision, efficiency, and value.

Micropile installation is a precise operation essential for foundation repair that requires careful planning and specialized equipment. Mobilization and demobilization of the drilling rig, air compressor, threaded steel bars, grout, water, and all other materials needed for a complete micropile engineering system often take several days to organize. 

Once mobilized, our team works efficiently to keep projects on schedule. We are able to install approximately 150 feet of micropiles in a 10-hour working day, depending on soil and site conditions. Each pile is drilled, reinforced, and grouted in place, ensuring strength, durability, and compliance with engineering standards crucial for steep slope stabilization. 

By combining professional engineering oversight with skilled installation crews, BC Foundations ensures every micropile project is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.

BC Foundations has expertly designed and installed micropiles for a diverse range of projects, from foundation repair in weak soils to supporting residential additions on cobble layers and anchoring commercial structures in challenging terrain. Each project is overseen by engineering experts and is completed with a focus on safety, efficiency, and long-term performance, including steep slope stabilization when necessary.

No matter where your project is located in British Columbia, we can meet your needs at a highly competitive price. We proudly serve clients in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Abbotsford, Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Kamloops, Merritt, Salmon Arm, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Prince George, as well as surrounding communities across the province.

With BC Foundations, you can rely on dependable micropile engineering solutions delivered with precision and value, giving you the confidence that your foundation is built to the highest standard.