PFAEHLE

The method involves driving into the ground a mandrel (1) carrying a pile shoe (2) and pumping a cementitious mixture (4) into the hole through the interior of the mandrel (1) as it is being driven into the ground. The cementitious mixture (4) leaves the interior of the mandrel (1) and enters the annular gap between the mandrel (1) and the earth surface via one or more holes (34) located at or close to its lower end and generally just above the pile shoe (2). The mixture (4) is maintained at a positive pressure relative to its surroundings, and is allowed to set after the mandrel (1) has reached the desired depth and has been withdrawn leaving the shoe (2) behind. The driving rig need not have the bulk required to exert the massive pulling forces required in conventional piling systems where a temporary casing which has been driven tightly into the soil is withdrawn prior to completion of the pile.