Jacked-In Piling System
Zero vibration. Zero noise. Precision placement. Our proprietary hydraulic jacking technology installs precast piles without a single hammer blow — protecting adjacent structures and complying with the strictest urban noise and vibration limits.
How It Works
The Hydraulic Jacking System Explained
Precast square or spun concrete piles are positioned within a prefabricated steel jacking frame. A high-capacity hydraulic system then presses — not hammers — each pile segment into the ground in a smooth, continuous motion.
The system works by transferring the jacking force against a reaction kentledge (dead weight) placed on the frame. As each pile section is jacked down, the next is welded or bolted on top and the process continues until the pile reaches its design bearing capacity — verified in real time by hydraulic pressure gauges and load cells.
The key differentiator: Foundtech designed and manufactured our own steel jacking frame in-house. This proprietary equipment is engineered specifically for Malaysian soil conditions and urban site constraints — giving us performance and flexibility no off-the-shelf system can match.
Key Advantages
Why Choose Jacked-In Piling?
Zero Vibration
Hydraulic pressing eliminates ground vibration — no cracks, no complaints from neighbours.
Minimal Noise
Near-silent operation allows work in noise-sensitive zones including hospitals and schools.
Precision Control
Each pile is jacked to exact bearing capacity — verified in real-time with load cells.
Urban Suitable
Compact equipment footprint fits into tight inner-city sites with limited access.
Proprietary Frame
Our own in-house designed steel jacking frame — engineered by Foundtech, for Malaysian conditions.
Ideal Applications
When Jacked-In Piling Is the Right Choice
If any of the following applies to your project, jacked-in piling is likely the best — and sometimes the only — solution.
- 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
Representative site photography. Replace with actual project images.
Piling Method Comparison
Jacked-In vs Driven vs Micropiling
Choose the right method for your site conditions, access, and sensitivity requirements.
| 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 — basement/indoor suitable |
| 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?+
Jacked-in piling installs precast concrete piles by hydraulically pressing them into the ground — not driving with a hammer. A steel jacking frame transfers force against a kentledge (dead weight), pushing pile segments down continuously with zero vibration and near-zero noise.
Why choose jacked-in piling over driven piles?+
Jacked-in piling produces zero ground vibration and minimal noise, making it the only practical option for sites adjacent to hospitals, heritage buildings, or MRT lines. It also verifies pile bearing capacity in real time through hydraulic pressure — providing certainty no driven pile set-count can match.
Is jacked-in piling suitable for hospitals and heritage buildings?+
Yes — it is specifically designed for exactly these environments. The zero-vibration process eliminates the risk of cracking or settlement in adjacent structures. Foundtech has deployed this method at operational urban KL sites, including works near sensitive occupied buildings.
What makes Foundtech's jacking frame different?+
Foundtech designed and manufactured its own hydraulic steel jacking frame in-house — a proprietary development first achieved in 1990. Engineered for Malaysian soil conditions (soft alluvial clay, variable ground profiles), the frame can be configured and optimised for each site in ways that off-the-shelf hired equipment cannot match.
What pile sizes can be installed with jacked-in piling?+
The system accommodates precast square concrete piles and spun concrete piles. Section sizes typically range from 200mm to 350mm square. Pile length is built up in segments as the pile advances to the required bearing depth — no fixed maximum depth.
Engineering Starts Here
Need jacked-in piling for your project?
Tell us about your site. Our engineers will advise on suitability, pile sizing, and programme.
