Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Torque Down Pile (TDP)?

Torque Down® Piles (TDPs) are full-displacement, concrete-filled, steel pipe piles with a proprietary closed-end conical tip. Using the right proportions of torque and crowd (downward pressure), TDPs are driven by literally screwing them into the ground with a large drill rig. Click here for a complete description of the unique benefits the screw-driven method of the TDP offers, or watch the videos below to see the TDP in action.

Are Torque Down Piles Patented?

Yes. The design and installation system for the TDP is patented in The United States and Canada and is patent-pending in Europe and China.

Can the Torque Down Pile system be licensed?

Yes. Substructure Support Inc. has licensed the TDP system for numerous projects throughout California and is working with companies on the East Coast and in Canada to expand the use of their patented system.

Do Torque Down Piles work well in close proximity to sensitive structures?

Featuring low noise and vibration, TDPs are an ideal solution when piles must be installed near historic structures and facilities with high-tech equipment. Additionally, our team has over 10-years of experience operating the equipment required to stage, loft, and install each pile in challenging conditions.

Do Torque Down Pile installations offer lower noise and vibration?

When compared with other driven pile systems, the TDP installation process creates much less noise and vibration. Conversations at average speaking levels can be heard over the hum of the drill rig.

Are Torque Down Piles suitable on sites with contaminated soil?

The TDP is ideal for projects involving contaminated soil. As a full-displacement pile, the TDP displace most of the soil outward and often do not require pre-drilling or off-hauling of contaminated soil.

Do Torque Down Piles require pre-drilling?

Unless piles must be installed through exceptionally dense strata, pre-drilling is generally not required for TDP projects. However, Substructure Support Inc. is well equipped to pre-drill whenever the need arises.

What pile-length limitations do Torque Down Piles have?

TDPs can be installed to any depth recommended in geotechnical reports. When necessary, additional lengths of steel pipe are spliced in the field.

Does you offer test pile programs for Torque Down Piles?

Yes. Click here for details on our tension and compression tests and to view some of the results of some featured pile programs.

What connection details are available with Torque Down Piles?

TDPs can utilize a variety of connection methods. Watch the video below to see some of the connection details used in the past.

Is corrosion an issue for Torque Down Piles?

No. TDPs have often been installed in locations where corrosion was indicated as a possibility, but the thickness the steel pipe used for TDPs is calculated to include enough sacrificial steel to provide ample corrosion protection. When requested, we have also applied a cold-tar epoxy on the outside of the pile for added corrosion protection.

Can Torque Down Piles be used for shoring?

Yes. Please contact us for additional information on how TDPs may be implemented for your shoring needs.

Can Torque Down Piles be used as batter piles?

Yes. Watch the video below to see how TDPs have been used as batter piles in the past.