Apparatus and methods for pile placement

Abstract

Assemblies for improving the installation of pilings into the ground are disclosed. The assemblies may include a modified pipe pile and a removable point inserted into the end of the pile. Methods of using the assemblies in the installation of pipe piling into the ground are also disclosed.

1 . A helical pile assembly comprising
 a cylindrical pipe having a first end and a second end;   a helical screw blade located proximate to the second end of the pipe; and   a digging point comprising a closed-bottomed pipe insert and a blade,   
       wherein the pipe insert has an outer diameter smaller than the internal diameter of said pipe at its second end. 
     
     
         2 . The helical pile assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the blade of the digging point comprises flanges extending outward from the sides of the pipe insert. 
     
     
         3 . The helical pile assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the second end of the pipe comprises slots configured to receive the flanges of the digging point blade. 
     
     
         4 . The helical pile assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the slots engage said flanges when the pipe rotates into the ground, and disengage said flanges when the pipe is rotated out of the ground. 
     
     
         5 . A method for installing helical pipe into the ground comprising:
 assembling the helical pile assembly according to  claim 1 ;   placing the tip of the digging point of the helical pile into the ground;   rotating the helical pile assembly to move the pipe and digging point down until the desired depth is reached;   reversing the rotational direction to disengage the pipe away from the digging point and creating an opening in the ground;   pouring grout into said opening through the pipe; and   rotating the pipe until the desired depth is reached,   
       wherein said grout is displaced and moves outward to surround the exterior of the helical pile assembly.