Unpacking the Power of Micropiles

Micropiles: What Sets Them Apart?

Micropiles are a type of deep foundation system that offers many advantages. They are typically installed or drilled into the ground and then filled with grout to create a sturdy and durable foundation.

Unlike other foundations, micropiles are relatively small in diameter and can be installed in limited access areas.

Additionally, they require minimal excavation and can be installed more quickly and efficiently than other types of foundation systems. As a result, micropiles are becoming a popular option for many construction projects.

They are also highly cost-effective and require less maintenance than other types of foundations, making them a great option for both residential and commercial projects.

Micropiles are designed to resist lateral and vertical loads, making them an effective choice for a variety of structures, including bridges, buildings, and retaining walls.

When and where are micropiles used?

Micropiles are an advanced deep foundation technique, ideal for areas with challenging soil conditions, or when other options are not viable.

These slender, high-capacity piles are frequently used in situations such as:

• When soil conditions prevent the use of traditional piling methods
• In locations where multi cavities exists, especially in limestone areas
• Reinforcing existing structures that require additional support
• Construction on steep slopes or in close proximity to existing structures
• In areas with limited overhead space or restricted access

Whether you're looking to reinforce a building, bridge, tower, or embankment, micropiles provide robust stability in conditions that other piles can't handle.

Many people ask: Can micropiles be used on sloped terrain? The answer is yes. This is one of the best suited piling systems for construction on slopes.

Distinction of micropiles from other foundations

Micropiles vs. Boredpiles
While both provide essential foundation support, micropiles can be installed in areas with limited space and challenging soil conditions where boredpiles may not be feasible. Plus, they offer faster installation times. Similar to boredpiles, micropiles can be done in a contiguous manner to create retaining walls.

Micropiles vs. Jacked-In Piles
Micropiles require less heavy machinery and impose fewer disturbances on surrounding structures compared to jacked-in piles, making them a superior choice for sensitive sites.

Micropiles vs. Sheet Piles
While sheet piles are commonly used for retaining soil, micropiles provide superior load-bearing capacity, making them an ideal choice for projects requiring robust foundational support.

Micropiles vs. Caisson Piles
Micropiles can be installed in a broader range of ground conditions compared to caisson piles and provide higher resistance to seismic activity. They're an excellent alternative in environmentally sensitive areas due to their minimal impact on surrounding ecosystems.

Characteristics of a typical Micropile in Malaysia

Micropile systems are commonly used in Malaysia. What are the size of micropiles in Malaysia?

Micropiles are typically of 150 to 400mm in diameter with 250mm and 300mm most commonly used.

Micropiles are typically done up to 40 to 50 meters deep. Shortest Micropiles are 6 meter deep including the rock socket.

Piles are terminated in dense soil or weathered and sound rocks e.g. lime stone and granite rocks.

How much does Micropile cost in Malaysia?

The cost if Micropiles varies based on several factors. In general, Micropiles are more expensive than other Precast Piles. Micropiles are also more expensive per meter than Bored Piles, but their faster installation and potential for reduced over-design can lead to significant cost savings.

Cost Factors of Micropile installation:

Material Cost depends on the sized of the micropile and the amount of steel element (e.g. API Pipes or Rebar) and grout required.

Man power and Equipment cost depends on the type of drilling rigs used, the level of difficulty in installation and the level of experience and skills of workers involved.

Micropile design depends on the required working load, Micropile material, and soil condition, this will inform the depth of the required piles. The deeper the pile the longer it will take to drill and install, hence the higher the cost.

Ground condition will inform how long it will take to install, as ground condition varies, from soft to hard to rock, the price will vary accordingly. Different soil condition might involve more sophisticated drilling techniques and tools, increasing or lowering the cost. For example, some type of micropile installation requires temporary casing as part of the method and will increase the time taken to install the pile.

Other site condition factors include such as on installation of micropiles on slopes, marine (on lake), or underpinning (under low head room).

Upon true understanding of all these factors, cost of installation of Micropile can then be estimated.

For accurate pricing of Micropile, contractors will need a full understanding of these factors. Project owners, consultants or main contractors requiring a price will be best positioned to engage a specialist Micropile contractor such as Shinei Geotechnique Sdn Bhd, early in the process as costing or tendering a Micropile project will take time.

✅ PROBLEM

From the client's point of view:

“I need foundation support in a confined or low headroom space, or where vibrations from conventional piling might cause damage. But I’m unsure what solution suits my site conditions—and I don’t want to risk costly failures or delays.”

As a geotechnical consultant:

“Many clients underestimate the complexity of building on difficult soil profiles, slopes, or urban infill areas. Traditional piling systems may not work due to access, noise, or vibration concerns.”

✅ SOLUTION: WHY MICROPILES?

As a geotechnical consultant, here’s what you’d recommend:

“Micropiles are a go-to solution for tight-access, low-vibration, or retrofit jobs. They’re especially valuable for underpinning existing structures, stabilizing slopes, and constructing foundations in built-up or sensitive areas. Their high capacity-to-diameter ratio makes them ideal for overcoming difficult soil conditions.”

List of benefits of using Micropiles:

• Minimal vibration → safe for heritage or sensitive buildings
• Small footprint → ideal for tight spaces and congested sites
• Versatile installation angles → great for retrofitting and slope work
• Works in weak soil or rock → strong axial and lateral capacity
• Load-bearing even in adverse geotechnical conditions

✅ ACTION STEPS FOR CLIENTS

From the client’s point of view:

“What do I do next if I’m considering micropiles?”

Step-by-step section:

• Site Visit & Soil Investigation – A geotechnical engineer evaluates access, load requirements, and soil profile.
• Design & Load Calculations – Pile length, diameter, and steel reinforcement are tailored to site conditions.
• Installation – Typically done using a small rotary drilling rig; minimal disruption to nearby structures.
• Testing & Verification – Load testing ensures compliance with design parameters.
• Handover & Certification – As-built reports, test results, and QA documentation are provided.

✅ EXPERT QUOTE

“In our experience, micropiles are one of the most adaptable deep foundation systems available. They allow us to solve challenging site constraints that traditional methods can’t handle.”

— Tan Chin Shu, Geotechnical Engineer and Founder of Shinei Geotechnique

➡️ Glossary of Micropile Terminology click here