855.579.0536
Contact us

Cased Micropiles

Micropile Installation

Engineered Deep Foundation Support

Cased Micropiles

GeoStabilization International designs and installs cased micropiles that provide high-capacity foundation support in challenging or variable soils. These deep foundation systems transfer structural loads through weak or compressible layers into competent bearing strata, improving stability and reducing settlement risk for both new construction and rehabilitation projects across Canada.

Cased micropiles are often selected for sites where controlled installation, safe access, and minimal disruption are critical. From bridge abutments and retaining systems to industrial facilities, utility assets, and urban infrastructure, GSI delivers engineered micropile solutions designed for long-term performance under Canada’s diverse geology, groundwater conditions, and freeze–thaw cycles.

Contact Us

What Are Cased Micropiles?

Cased micropiles are small-diameter deep foundation elements designed to transmit loads to deeper, more stable subsurface layers. Unlike conventional micropiles that rely primarily on a grouted reinforcement bar, cased micropiles include a steel casing that increases structural capacity and enhances resistance to compression, tension, and shear forces.

Installation typically involves drilling to design depth while advancing steel casing. A steel reinforcement element is placed within the casing, and the pile is grouted to form a composite system that provides reliable load transfer in soils and rock. This method is effective in mixed subsurface conditions common across Canada, including glacial deposits, variable tills, and layered soils that can lead to differential settlement.

Limited Access Micropiles
Limited Access Micropiles

Advantages of Cased Micropiles

Cased micropiles provide a durable and low-disruption foundation solution for demanding site conditions:

  • High load capacity: The steel casing improves axial, tensile, and lateral resistance for dependable load transfer.

  • Adaptable to diverse soils: Performs well in sands, silts, clays, gravels, and bedrock across varied geologic settings.

  • Controlled installation with low vibration: Supports work near occupied buildings, active utilities, and traffic-sensitive areas where disturbance must be minimized.

  • Limited-access constructability: Smaller equipment footprint allows installation in confined spaces, low-clearance areas, and urban environments.

  • Reduced surface disruption: Minimal excavation and spoil generation helps protect surrounding operations and reduce site impacts.

These benefits make cased micropiles a strong option when driven piles, large excavations, or heavy equipment access would introduce additional risk or disruption.

Casing Drill for Soil Nail Wall Installation

Protect people, access, and critical infrastructure.

Reduce risk before conditions worsen.

Talk to Our Team
Large Diameter Micropile Drilling

Applications Across Canada

GSI designs cased micropile systems to support a wide range of infrastructure and structural needs, including:

  • Foundation support: Deep load transfer for bridges, towers, industrial structures, and heavily loaded facilities.
  • Underpinning and retrofits: Stabilization of existing foundations where settlement or movement threatens structural performance.
  • Retaining wall reinforcement: Vertical or inclined support to improve resistance to lateral earth pressures.
  • Slope stabilization: Anchoring systems for unstable slopes and embankments in soil or rock.
  • Transportation infrastructure: Deep, vibration-controlled support for bridge abutments, culverts, elevated roadways, and approach structures.

Each system is engineered for site-specific loading, subsurface conditions, and constructability requirements.

Performance and

Long-Term Reliability

Cased micropiles provide high-performance load transfer by combining steel casing, grout, and reinforcement into a composite foundation element. This configuration resists compression, tension, and shear loading while maintaining stability under changing ground conditions.

Depending on design and site requirements, cased micropiles can be installed to significant depths to anchor into competent layers for long-term support. Systems can also be detailed with corrosion protection and drainage considerations to support durable performance under Canada’s variable groundwater conditions and seasonal temperature extremes.

Why Choose GSI

GeoStabilization International brings specialized foundation expertise to complex ground conditions. Our teams integrate in-house engineering with experienced field execution to deliver constructable micropile designs that support reliable performance and efficient installation in access-limited environments.

GSI’s design-build delivery model provides accountability from assessment and engineering through installation and performance verification. Whether your project involves bridge rehabilitation, foundation upgrades, or stabilization in sensitive or congested areas, GSI delivers cased micropile systems engineered for long-term durability and predictable results.

Request a Site Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Micropiles typically have a diameter ranging from 100mm to 300mm, depending on the specific project requirements and soil conditions.

Depending on various factors such as soil stiffness, casing diameter, wall thickness, and steel strength, cased micropiles can extend to depths of up to 250 feet. This increased depth capability allows for the installation of cased micropiles in deeper soil layers or when encountering challenging soil conditions. It provides flexibility in designing foundations for projects that require deeper support.

Yes, micropiles are commonly used in seismic areas as they can be designed to provide enhanced resistance to lateral loads and improve the overall stability of structures during earthquakes.

The lifespan of micropiles can vary depending on factors such as the design, installation quality, and environmental conditions. With proper maintenance and inspection, micropiles can have a lifespan of several decades.

Our Experiences

Related Projects

View All Projects

Tramway
  • Micropiles & Ground Anchors

Tramway Tower SuperMicropile™ Foundation
  • Micropiles & Ground Anchors

Transmission Tower Stabilization using Micropiles and Ground Anchors

Our Emergency Response Solutions

From landslides and rockfalls to flooding and wildfires, unexpected geohazards demand immediate action. Our emergency response team is ready 24/7 to deploy specialized equipment and proven techniques, delivering fast, engineered solutions that restore access and stabilize critical assets when it matters most.

Broken road from flooding

Natural Disasters
Roadway collapse due to embankment failure, with workers assessing damage and erosion near a steep slope.

Transportation
Collapsed retaining wall with exposed soil and drainage pipe failure

Commercial/Utility

Client Reviews

Foundation Grouting and Structural Repair for Homeowner

I wanted to drop you a quick note. Late last year I had Tom Szynakiewicz come by and advise me as to what I needed to do to fix my house structure. Tom and GSI were great to work with to find a solution for my structure issues. GSI did an excellent job for us and got us on the right track with the work that was performed. We just sold the home last week, and disclosed the work that was done. We had zero issues with selling the home because it was fixed by GSI. I am very thankful I called and got you guys involved! Thanks again for steering me in the right direction Wayne!

Professional Project Support in British Columbia, Canada

I am writing this email to let you know that we are honored to work with GSI and your subcontractors as you have all demonstrated professionalism since your very first involvement of the project. Everyone on the project team is highly experienced, efficient and motivated. We also appreciate your professional work and your prompt response to our inquires. We understand that it is a project and a project site with many unique challenges. Many thanks again!

Trusted Mitigation Project Support from GSI Crew

John Boyd was great. I couldn’t be more pleased with the crew. For the next mitigation project, we’ll work with GSI and specifically request John Boyd.

Expert Micropile Solutions

Contact Us Today

If your project requires deep foundation support in challenging soils, GSI can help. Contact our team to review site conditions and develop a cased micropile solution aligned with constructability, stability, and long-term performance goals.

Complete our contact form to request a consultation and discuss engineered micropile options for your next project.

855.559.5217

    How Can We Help?

    • Personal Info
    • Contact Info
    • Project Info
    ***Fees May Apply For Residential Site Visits***

    How Can We Help?

    • Personal Info
    • Contact Info
    • Project Info

    How Can We Help?

    • Personal Info
    • Contact Info
    • Project Info

    By using this website, you acknowledge and agree to our Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Our Awards, Certifications, & Memberships

    ADSC Safety Award
    GeoHazard Professionals Safety Recognition
    Gold Shovel Standard Certified
    GSI is a Directing Member of the Association of Geohazard Professionals