Bored piling for restricted access and low-headroom environments
Sectional Flight Auger (SFA) piling is a bored piling technique developed for sites where restricted access or limited headroom prevents the use of conventional continuous flight auger equipment. Rather than using a full-length auger string, shorter auger sections are progressively connected as drilling advances, allowing piles to be installed using compact specialist rigs within constrained working environments.
The technique provides many of the practical advantages associated with bored piling, including relatively low vibration and the ability to work close to existing structures. SFA piling is particularly suited to internal works, basements, extensions and refurbishment projects where access dimensions or overhead restrictions influence the available piling methods. The final pile arrangement is developed around structural loading, ground conditions and the physical constraints of the site.
Low headroom
Sectional augers suit restricted working height
Restricted access
Compact equipment for constrained sites
Low vibration
Bored installation suited to sensitive locations
Flexible installation
Pile construction adapted around site constraints
How Sectional Flight Auger (SFA) Piling Works
SFA piles are installed using shorter flight auger sections which are connected progressively as the bore advances. This allows the drilling operation to reach the required pile depth without the vertical clearance needed for a conventional full-length CFA auger.
Once the required depth has been achieved, concrete is introduced through the hollow auger stem as the auger is progressively withdrawn and dismantled in sections. Reinforcement is then installed into the fresh concrete in accordance with the pile design. The sectional process allows bored piles to be constructed within significantly more constrained working areas.
- Suitable for low headroom environments
- Compact equipment for restricted access
- Low vibration bored installation
- Suitable close to existing structures
- Adaptable to constrained foundation works
Best Suited For
Existing buildings
Piling within or alongside developed structures
Low headroom
Sites with limited vertical working clearance
Basements
Bored foundations in confined environments
House Extensions
Restricted residential foundation works
Refurbishment projects
Specialist piling within existing developments
Urban sites
Constrained access and neighbouring structures
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The Process
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Review service options
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sectional Flight Auger piling?
SFA piling is a bored piling technique that uses shorter auger sections connected progressively during drilling. This allows piles to be installed where restricted headroom or access prevents the use of conventional CFA equipment.
What is the difference between SFA and CFA piling?
Both methods use flight augers to form bored piles, but CFA piling typically uses a continuous full-length auger string. SFA uses shorter sections that can be added and removed progressively, making it better suited to constrained or low-headroom environments.
Is SFA piling suitable for restricted-access sites?
Yes. SFA piling is particularly useful where access width, working space or headroom limits the size of equipment that can be used. The specific site dimensions still need to be reviewed before selecting the method.
What information is needed to assess whether SFA piling is suitable?
Useful information includes structural drawings, proposed loads, ground investigation data, pile requirements and details of available access, working space and headroom. Photographs and site dimensions can also help SPS assess whether SFA piling is appropriate.