A Comparison of the Carbon Consumption of Continuous Flight Auger, Auger Displacement (CHD) and Precast Driven Displacement Piles in Cohesive Ground Conditions.

Historically foundations have rarely considered the carbon consumption associated with construction. However, with the advent of the European Federation of Foundation Contractors’ Carbon calculator, championed by the Federation of Piling Specialists in the UK, there is now a reliable benchmarking technique available to compare and understand this aspect of the process better. This paper will present a comparison of three methods in the same cohesive ground conditions in relation to their relative carbon consumption. Continuous flight auger (CFA), Displacement auger (CHD) and Driven precast displacement will be drawn together to illustrate the relative consumption of each method. To assist with comparison two analysis methods will be discussion, firstly the methods will be normalised in relation to load. Whilst secondly, they will be normalised against cost to society. The implications of the two efficiency techniques; carbon/load and carbon/cost will be discussed. It will be concluded that displacement auger (CHD) is the most efficient piling method in regard to carbon efficiency.