What is a Micropile?

Micropiles are small in diameter (typically less than 12 in), drilled, and grouted pile foundations typically reinforced with a casing and/or a center reinforcing bar. A micropile is constructed by drilling a borehole using a nuanced drilling technique, placing the steel into the hole, and then pressure grouting with neat-cement grout. Micropiles can withstand axial and lateral loads and, depending upon the design concept employed, may be considered a substitute for conventional piles or as one component in a composite soil/pile mass. Micropile foundations are often installed in a battered configuration or with a permanent steel casing at the top of the pile to handle lateral loadings.