Jacked-In Piling System
Zero vibration. Zero noise. Precision placement. Our own jacking rigs, 22 of them from 50 to 180 tonnes, install precast piles without a single hammer blow. Nothing shakes next door, and the strictest city noise limits are met.
How It Works
The Hydraulic Jacking System Explained
A precast square or spun concrete pile sits inside a steel jacking frame. A hydraulic system then presses it into the ground in one continuous motion. It is pushed, not hammered.
The force pushes against a kentledge, a dead weight sitting on the frame. As each section goes down the next is welded or bolted on top, and it carries on until the pile hits its design bearing capacity. Pressure gauges and load cells confirm that as it happens.
We design and build the rigs ourselves, in two systems: direct top jacking and clamping. Both are built for Malaysian soil and tight urban sites, which is something hired equipment cannot be.
Key Advantages
Why Choose Jacked-In Piling?
Zero Vibration
Hydraulic pressing puts no vibration into the ground. No cracks, no complaints from neighbours.
Minimal Noise
Near-silent, so we can work next to hospitals and schools.
Precision Control
Jacking force is monitored throughout, so every pile is pressed to its required capacity.
Urban Suitable
A compact footprint fits tight inner-city sites with limited access.
Built In-House
22 jacking rigs from 50 to 180 tonnes, designed and built by Foundtech in direct top jacking and clamping systems.
Ideal Applications
When Jacked-In Piling Is the Right Choice
If any of these describe your project, jacked-in piling is probably the answer. Sometimes it is the only one.
- Settlement and underpinning of existing buildings
- Floor load upgrade due to change of building usage
- Additional floors or area to maximise plot ratio
- Alternative to bored pile or micropile in sensitive zones
- Urban construction with strict noise and vibration limits
- Sites adjacent to hospitals, heritage buildings, or MRT lines
Project Gallery
Jacked-In Piling Works
Site photography to follow.
Piling Method Comparison
Jacked-In vs Driven vs Micropiling
Match the method to your ground, your access, and what is next door.
| Criteria | Jacked-In Piling | Driven Piles | Micropiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vibration | Zero | High | Minimal |
| Noise level | Near-silent | High impact noise | Low (drilling) |
| Site access needed | Moderate (frame setup) | Open, large equipment | Very compact, works in basements |
| Typical application | Urban, sensitive, retrofit | Open new-build sites | Restricted access, underpinning |
| Bearing verification | Real-time (load cell) | Set-based estimation | Grout pressure / load test |
| Pile diameter / section | 200–350mm square / spun | 250–400mm square / spun | 100–250mm drilled |
| Speed for large sites | Moderate | Fast | Slower per pile |
| Suitability near existing structures | Excellent | Poor, risk of damage | Good |
Common Questions
Jacked-In Piling FAQ
What is jacked-in piling?+
It installs precast concrete piles by pressing them into the ground hydraulically instead of driving them with a hammer. A steel jacking frame pushes against a kentledge (a dead weight), driving pile segments down continuously with no vibration and almost no noise.
Why choose jacked-in piling over driven piles?+
It puts no vibration into the ground and makes very little noise, so it is often the only practical option next to hospitals, heritage buildings, or MRT lines. It also confirms bearing capacity live off the hydraulic pressure, which a driven pile set-count cannot do.
Is jacked-in piling suitable for hospitals and heritage buildings?+
Yes. It was made for exactly these situations. With no vibration there is no risk of cracking or settlement next door. We have used it on working KL sites, including near occupied buildings.
What makes Foundtech's jacking frame different?+
We design and build our own: 22 rigs from 50 to 180 tonnes, in direct top jacking and clamping configurations, with the FOUNDTECH machinery trademark registered at MyIPO. Because they are ours, we can reconfigure them for each site. Hired equipment does not give you that.
What pile sizes can be installed with jacked-in piling?+
It takes precast square and spun concrete piles, usually 200mm to 350mm square. Length is built up in segments as the pile goes down, so there is no fixed maximum depth.
Engineering Starts Here
Need jacked-in piling for your project?
Tell us about your site and our engineers will advise on suitability, pile sizing, and programme.
