These guidelines were written for use by the NYSDOT and their consultants. In the event that the information in the guidelines is used by other municipalities, the responsibilities for the various tasks contained herein are to be borne by that municipality, and not by the NYSDOT.

A micropile is a small diameter reinforced and grouted pile, constructed within a previously drilled borehole that provides axial capacity, or resistance, for a substructure. Unlike a driven pile, where each pile is a “tested” pile, the resulting axial capacity of each micropile is not directly determinate unless a load test is performed on it. In addition, micropile capacity is very sensitive to installation methods. Therefore, the role of the inspector is vital to ensure that the final product meets the expectations of the designer and the owner. Proper design and installation of micropiles is as much art as science, and their use should not be employed by the inexperienced.

These guidelines provide the inspector or Engineer-In-Charge (EIC) with a basic understanding of what to record in micropile construction. These guidelines will provide the individual with information to guide inspection efforts and enhance the transfer of information from the inspector