What are Blade Piles used for?
Blade Piles are steel foundation piles used for residential and commercial construction. They are suitable for timber floors, under concrete slabs, extensions, earthquake strengthening, bridging services, remedial foundation work, and sites with challenging ground conditions, while minimising ground disturbance.
Are Blade Piles suitable for both residential and commercial projects?
Yes. Blade Piles are commonly used on residential builds and renovations, as well as commercial projects across New Zealand.
Are Blade Piles designed to New Zealand building standards?
Yes. Blade Piles are designed in accordance with AS/NZS 2159:2009 piling standards. Each project is supported by a site-specific PS1 engineering design, which is submitted to the relevant council as part of the compliance and verification process. Blade Piles are not a proprietary system.
Do Blade Piles need to be CodeMark compliant?
No. Where piles are designed in accordance with NZS3604 or through specific engineering design, CodeMark is not required. CodeMark generally applies to products outside these standards and does not remove the need for site-specific geotechnical information.
Geotechnical engineers we work with advise that attempting to standardise piling systems under CodeMark carries considerable risk, as ground conditions vary from site to site. Without site-specific geotechnical guidance, liability and responsibility can also become unclear on CodeMark-certified piling projects.
How long do Blade Piles last in the ground?
Blade Piles are designed to meet the required design life for the building and site conditions. In most New Zealand soils, Blade Pile designs typically target a 100-125 year lifespan or more, using appropriate steel thickness, corrosion allowance, and galvanising where required.
Do Blade Piles need to be galvanised?
Galvanising requirements depend on ground conditions and floor type. For timber floors, the top of the pile and at least 600 mm below ground level is typically galvanised. For concrete slabs, design life is often achieved through sacrificial steel thickness. Coastal or aggressive environments may require additional protection.
Who decides whether piles are required under my building?
A geotechnical report is used to assess ground conditions. Depending on the site and structure, an architect may specify piles under NZS3604, or a structural engineer may design the pile depth, blade size, and layout. Blade Pile works with over 150 structural and geotechnical engineers nationwide.
Do you provide in-house engineering design?
No. Blade Pile NZ supplies and installs the piling system, while PS1 designs are completed by independent engineers. We work closely with a large network of engineers experienced with Blade Piles, or you can engage your own engineer directly. We’re happy to recommend trusted engineers in your area, just contact us.
What size Blade Piles will I need?
Blade Pile size is determined by the building loads and soil conditions, based on geotechnical information and engineering design.
How do Blade Piles connect to the building?
Blade Pile offers a range of standard pile caps and brackets, and can also fabricate custom caps to suit specific engineering or construction requirements.
Can Blade Piles be used as part of an engineered foundation system?
Yes. Blade Piles are commonly used in fully engineered foundation solutions, including slab-on-grade systems, remedial works, and sites outside NZS3604 parameters.
Are Blade Piles faster to install than concrete piles?
Yes. Blade Piles are screwed into the ground rather than excavated or driven, meaning installation is typically faster and less disruptive than traditional concrete piles.
Who is allowed to install Blade Piles?
Blade Piles must be installed by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) who have completed Blade Pile training and are approved by BPNZ to install the system.
What happens if ground conditions differ from the geotechnical report?
If softer or variable ground is encountered, pile extensions can be added to reach a suitable bearing layer. Any additional depth required is typically charged per lineal metre.
How much ground disturbance occurs during installation?
Minimal. Blade Piles are installed by screwing them into the ground, resulting in very little excavation or disruption to surrounding soil.
Will there be any soil to remove after installation?
No significant spoil. Installation usually results in only a small amount of displaced soil around the pile, which can typically be levelled back into place.
Can Blade Piles be removed if no longer required?
Yes. Blade Piles can be extracted by reversing the installation process, allowing removal with minimal impact on the surrounding ground.
Will Blade Pile installation cause vibration or affect neighbouring properties?
No. Installation causes minimal vibration compared to driven piling methods.
Are Blade Piles suitable for coastal or corrosive environments?
Sometimes. Blade Piles can be designed with galvanising or additional corrosion allowance to suit coastal or aggressive ground conditions.
Are Blade Piles suitable for archaeological or contaminated sites?
Yes. Because no soil is removed during installation, existing soil layers remain largely undisturbed, making Blade Piles well suited to archaeological or contaminated sites.
What if my site has limited access?
Blade Pile uses a range of compact installation equipment, allowing access to tight or constrained sites, including areas beside or within existing buildings.
How do Blade Piles compare in cost to concrete piles?
Blade Piles are often cost-competitive due to faster installation, reduced site disruption, optimised pile and slab design, and flexibility in varying ground conditions.
Can Blade Piles help reduce construction timeframes?
Yes. Faster installation and minimal excavation can help shorten foundation programmes and reduce weather-related delays.