Piles Innovations: Deep Bored Piles for a Hotel Extension in the Heart of Brussels

This article presents an innovative construction project located in the center of Brussels, involving the use of kelly-bored piles approximately 50 meters deep in a highly confined space. The project concerns the construction of a hotel and is distinguished by the adoption of advanced techniques such as polymer-supported drilling and the use of recycled aggregate concrete, tailored to the specific constraints of a dense urban environment. Kelly boring with polymer support was chosen to stabilize the walls of the deep boreholes, minimizing disruptions to surrounding structures and ensuring site safety. Additionally, the use of recycled aggregate concrete demonstrates the project's commitment to sustainable and economical practices, while ensuring high performance in terms of durability and strength. The results show that despite space constraints and technical challenges, it is possible to install long piles efficiently and sustainably. The innovative techniques employed have overcome the physical limitations of the site while ensuring high structural quality. This project provides valuable recommendations for engineers and designers working in similar urban environments, highlighting the importance of adapting construction methods to the specific conditions of the site. In conclusion, this project illustrates how advances in drilling techniques and the use of recycled materials can be successfully integrated into complex urban construction projects, paving the way for more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.