Concrete Piling vs. Blade Pile

Stack of screw piles

Understanding Concrete Piling

What is Concrete Piling?

Concrete piling refers to the method of installing long, slender columns of concrete deep into the ground to provide support for heavy structures. Traditionally, this method involves excavating or drilling holes into the soil and then filling these holes with reinforced concrete. The resulting columns, or concrete piles, transfer the building loads deep into the ground, reaching stable strata that can bear the weight of the structure.


Concrete piling has long been a staple in the construction industry, offering a reliable solution for supporting structures in various soil conditions. However, as technology and building requirements evolve, so too do the available foundation options. Let’s explore the types of concrete piling including concrete bored piers and concrete screw piles, and examine why Blade Pile serves as a superior concrete pilling alternative for modern construction needs.

Types of Concrete Piling

There are several types of concrete piling techniques, each with its own set of benefits and limitations:

  • Concrete bored piers or Bored Concrete Piles: These are created by drilling into the ground and pouring concrete into the excavated space. They are popular in residential construction due to their ability to provide strong support with minimal disturbance to surrounding areas.
  • Concrete Screw Piles or Concrete Piers: These are a hybrid between traditional concrete piles and screw piles. In this method, a concrete column is formed around a central steel element that aids in driving the pile into the ground.
  • While each of these methods has proven effective over decades, concrete piling can come with several drawbacks. These may include long installation times due to curing periods, the requirement for heavy and expensive machinery, significant site disruption, and environmental concerns associated with the extensive excavation and concrete usage.

    Screw pile installer with engineer
    Screw pile manufacturing

    Limitations of Concrete Piling

    Before making any foundation decision, it’s essential to consider the challenges associated with concrete piling:

    1. Time-Consuming Installation: Concrete piles, including concrete bored piers, require a curing period after the concrete is poured. This waiting period can delay construction projects.
    2. Heavy Machinery Requirements: The drilling and pouring processes demand specialised, heavy-duty machinery, which not only increases the cost but also adds to site disruption.
    3. Environmental Impact: Concrete production is energy-intensive and contributes to a significant carbon footprint. Additionally, the excavation process inherent in concrete piling can lead to soil disturbance and waste generation.
    4. Site Limitations: In areas with limited space or environmentally sensitive sites, the extensive excavation required for concrete piling can be problematic.
    5. Variable Performance in Challenging Soils: In regions with inconsistent soil conditions, the performance of concrete piles can be unpredictable. High water tables or rocky substrates can further complicate the installation of concrete piers.

    Given these challenges, many construction professionals are now exploring alternatives that offer quicker installation, reduced environmental impact, and greater efficiency without sacrificing structural integrity.

    Screw pile installation

    Key Advantages of Blade Pile Over Concrete Piling

    Introducing Blade Pile: The Superior Alternative To Concrete Pilling

    Blade Pile is Australia’s go-to provider of advanced screw piling solutions, designed to meet the evolving demands of modern construction. Blade Pile offers a groundbreaking alternative that overcomes many of the limitations associated with concrete-based systems.

    Faster Installation

    One of the most significant drawbacks of concrete piling is the delay caused by the curing time. Blade Pile’s screw pile technology allows for immediate load-bearing capacity once installed, eliminating the wait time associated with concrete bored piers.

    This accelerated process is a major advantage, particularly for projects with tight deadlines.

    Reduced Site Disruption

    Concrete piling often requires extensive excavation, which can disrupt the surrounding environment and lead to additional costs related to site cleanup and remediation. In contrast, Blade Pile installation involves minimal excavation. This not only reduces site disturbance but also makes Blade Pile an attractive option for urban projects or sites with limited space.

    Lower Environmental Impact

    With increasing emphasis on sustainable construction practices, reducing the environmental footprint of building projects has become critical. Concrete production is notoriously energy-intensive and contributes to high carbon emissions. Blade Pile’s screw piles offer a greener alternative by eliminating the need for large quantities of concrete, thereby reducing both material waste and environmental impact.

    Superior Performance in Challenging Soils

    Blade Pile is designed to excel in diverse environments. Its innovative design enables it to perform effectively in rocky, dense, or soft soils alike. Compared to concrete screw piles, Blade Pile’s technology consistently delivers reliable performance without the installation challenges associated with conventional methods.

    Cost-Effective Solution

    While the initial cost of traditional concrete piling may seem competitive, the overall expense can escalate due to the need for heavy machinery, extended project timelines, and additional site restoration work. Blade Pile’s streamlined process significantly reduces labor, equipment, and maintenance costs, making it a more economica alternative to concrete pilling in the long run.

    Blade Pile in Comparison

    Category

    Concrete Piling

    Blade Pile (Screw Pile Technology)

    Installation Time

    Involves drilling, pouring, and waiting for the concrete to cure.

    Immediate load-bearing capacity with rapid installation, minimising downtime.

    Equipment & Site Impact

    Requires heavy drilling equipment and significant site preparation.

    Utilises specialised equipment that causes minimal disruption, ideal for constrained or environmentally sensitive sites.

    Environmental Considerations

    High energy consumption and extensive material usage contribute to a larger carbon footprint.

    Offers a sustainable solution with reduced material waste and lower energy requirements, aligning with modern green construction practices.

    Performance in Difficult Soils

    Can face challenges in unstable or rocky soils, potentially leading to inconsistent performance.

    Engineered to provide superior grip and stability regardless of soil type, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging conditions.

    Cost Efficiency

    Higher overall costs due to extended installation times, heavy machinery, and the need for post-installation site restoration.

    Lower total costs through faster installation and reduced operational expenses, making it a compelling alternative to concrete pilling for modern construction projects.

    Team meeting

    Why Choose Blade Pile as Your Foundation Solution?

    Blade Pile is committed to delivering innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible foundation solutions.The technology redefines what’s possible in the world of deep foundations by addressing the inherent challenges of traditional concrete methods.


    For builders, developers, and piling contractors looking for a modern alternative to concrete piling, Blade Pile offers a system that integrates design, manufacturing, scheduling, and installation. This end-to-end service ensures that every project is completed with precision and efficiency, without the delays and disruptions.

    Blade Piles have been used in some of Australia’s largest screw piling projects 

    Blade Pile Provide Piles for Moree Solar Farm Project
    Moree Solar Farm

    32,000 Solar Blade Piles supplied and installed

    Moranbah Modular Hospital Redevelopment
    Moranbah Modular Hospital Redevelopment

    Over 500+ galvanised screw piles

    Blade Pile Provide Screw Piles for Blackwater Modular Hospital Redevelopment
    Blackwater Modular Hospital Redevelopment

    Over 275+ galvanised screw piles

    Commercial projects completed
    100 +
    Pile manufacture capacity per year
    10 k+
    Credited installers Australia wide
    0 +

    Embrace Innovation for Future-Ready Construction

    In today’s competitive construction market, efficiency and sustainability are paramount. Blade Pile’s technology represents a significant step forward in foundation engineering. By opting for Blade Piles over conventional concrete piers, construction professionals can achieve quicker turnaround times, improved site management, and long-term durability without compromising on structural performance.


    For projects seeking a future-ready foundation that minimises downtime and maximises performance, Blade Pile is the clear choice. Embrace the next generation of piling technology and secure a stable, resilient foundation that will support your project for decades to come.

    Screw pile welding photo

    Contact Us

    Contact us today to learn more about our innovative screw pile solutions and experience the future of deep foundation engineering.

    Our Locations

    Our Melbourne office is strategically located to serve clients across Victoria and the rest of Australia. We provide our concrete piling alternative in various regions, including Melbourne and its surrounding areas. Our dedicated team is ready to assist with all your foundation needs.


    Service Areas

    We offer our concrete piling alternative throughout Australia, including:


    Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your next project.

    Contact

    Connect with us

    Map of locations in Australia and New Zealand
    Map of locations in Australia and New Zealand

    Whether you currently use concrete piers, helical piles or other screw piles, the Blade Pile system can benefit you. Get in touch with our team today to learn more.