The ‘Belpile’ Enlarged Base Piling

Used in conjunction with our bentonite management equipment, our machines can install under-reamed ‘Belpiles’ in a range of sizes. This is a patented enlarged base technique developed and refined by Belpile over the past 30 years. The technique is based upon a traditional cast in place grout/concrete CFA type pile with an added operation forming the base enlargement. Bentonite support fluid is used to maintain stability of the pile shaft and bell during construction of the pile. This means the Belpile can be utilised in unstable soil conditions either above or below the ground water table. The load carrying behaviour of Belpiles in both uplift and compression has been tested and researched extensively in conjunction with the University of Western Australia and Queensland University of Technology.

The Belpile can be a highly cost effective foundation solution, affording enhanced capacity piles without the need to extend deep below-the-ground surface. The Belpile system facilitates a significant advantage in limited access applications and is a product in high demand for applications such as ‘retro-fit’ building upgrades and scenarios where superior uplift resistance is required. They can be particularly useful in limited access applications such as ‘retro-fit’ building upgrades and scenarios where superior uplift resistance is required. Enlarged base Belpiles have also been instrumental in the development of the top down construction technique and are well suited to this application.

The Belpile Process


Belpiles have been an effective foundation solution on several hundred projects in Western Australia and Queensland. Standard sizes include (shaft/base) diameters of 300/600mm, 350/700mm, 450/850mm and 500/950mm. One of the primary advantages of the Belpile is being able to install high capacity piles with comparatively lighter equipment.

A patented enlarged base piling technique developed and refined by Belpile over the past 30 years

Download Belpile Capability Statement