Method Statement for Bored Cast-in-Place Concrete Piles – Dry Drilling, Casing, Tremie, QA/QC & ITP – Method Statement

Q: What defines a ‘dry’ borehole condition for this method?

A dry condition is when standing water at the base is ≤ 50 mm or inflow is minimal (e.g., ≤ 20–50 L/min) at time of pour. Verify thresholds per project specifications.

Q: Is tremie placement required in a dry hole?

While not always mandatory, a tremie or rigid trunk is recommended to minimize free fall and segregation, ensuring quality concrete placement in confined bores.

Q: What is the typical reinforcement cover in cast-in-place piles?

Provide not less than 75 mm concrete cover to reinforcement unless project specifications require otherwise.

Q: How are base cleanliness and dryness verified?

Use a clean-out bucket followed by weighted tape, borehole camera if practical, and inspection of debris. Engineer approval is a hold point before concreting.

Q: What integrity tests are typically used?

Low strain pile integrity testing (PIT) is common. Crosshole sonic logging (CSL) is used when tubes are cast in the pile. Acceptance criteria are per project specs.

More than a static template

Unlike a downloadable Word or PDF template, this method statement is an AI-assisted editable starting point connected directly to a matching Inspection and Test Plan. Every section is structured, project-adaptable, and ready to export.

AI-assisted drafting — Customize every section with AI for your specific project scope.
Linked ITP — A matching inspection and test plan is generated alongside the method statement.
Multiple export formats — Download as a formatted PDF or editable Excel spreadsheet.
Editable starting point, not a final document — Review, verify, and adjust all content against your project requirements before use.

Static template vs. Quollnet workflow

Feature	Static template	Quollnet
Project-specific content	Manual fill-in required	AI-assisted customization
Linked ITP	Separate document, no link	Matching ITP included
Export formats	Usually PDF only	PDF and Excel
Structured sections	Free-form layout	13 standardized sections
Saved to your account	Local file only	Cloud-saved, reusable
Content accuracy	You verify everything	AI-assisted, you still verify
Cost	Often free but time-intensive	Free to customize and download

What you can customize

When you save this method statement to your account, every section becomes editable. The following 13 sections are included:

Scope — Defines the activity and its boundaries.
References — Standards, specifications, and drawings.
Responsibilities — Roles and accountabilities.
Resources — Labour, plant, and equipment summary.
Materials — Materials and compliance requirements.
Equipment — Tools and equipment details.
Prerequisites — Hold points and pre-conditions.
Method sequence — Step-by-step construction sequence.
Safety controls — HSE risk controls and PPE.
Environmental controls — Environmental mitigation measures.
QA/QC — Quality inspection and test requirements.
ITP — Inspection and Test Plan table (has its own page).
Attachments — Referenced drawings and documentation.

Why this method statement is used

This method statement is used to define and communicate the approved procedure for carrying out method statement – bored cast-in-place concrete piles (dry drilling method) on site. It ensures the work is planned in advance, the correct resources and controls are in place, and all personnel understand responsibilities, sequence, quality requirements, and safety controls before work begins. It aligns site execution with the documented scope and acceptance expectations.

Who uses this method statement

This method statement is used by contractors, site supervisors, project engineers, QA/QC engineers, HSE officers, consultants, and client representatives. It serves as a shared reference for planning, execution, supervision, inspection, and approval of the activity on site.

When it is prepared and submitted

The method statement is prepared before the work activity starts and submitted as part of the pre-construction documentation package for review and approval.

Who reviews or approves it

The method statement is usually submitted to the client representative, consultant, resident engineer, or project management consultant for review and approval before the work commences.

Important approval note

This method statement is an AI-assisted editable starting point, not a pre-approved document. Before use on any project, all content must be reviewed and approved by the relevant parties (superintendent, principal contractor, or client representative) in accordance with your contract and project quality plan.

For example: if your specification requires a departure from a referenced standard, that departure must be documented and approved separately — this method statement will not capture that automatically. Always verify against your applicable drawings, specifications, and regulatory requirements.

Method statement content

Scope

Work Summary

This method covers the complete execution of bored cast-in-place reinforced concrete piles using the dry drilling method, including:
- Site establishment, piling platform preparation, and setting out
- Positioning of piling rig/crane, installation of partial temporary casing as needed
- Dry drilling and spoil removal without slurry use
- Base cleaning and verification of dryness/cleanliness
- Reinforcement cage fabrication checks and placement with spacers/centralizers
- Tremie or rigid trunk concrete placement to avoid segregation (no slurry)
- Pile head overcasting and subsequent trimming to cut-off level
- Concrete sampling, testing, and post-concreting integrity testing where specified
- Compilation of pile records and as-built documentation

Exclusions

Slurry-supported bores (bentonite/polymer) – not covered in this method.
Full-length permanent casing piles – covered under a separate method.

Key Performance Requirements [Verify per project specifications]

Pile layout tolerance: ≤ ±75 mm from design centerline (tighter if specified)
Verticality tolerance: ≤ 1:200 (0.5%) or as specified
Pile toe level: within +0.1/−0.0 m of design
Diameter tolerance: +50/−0 mm (temporary casing not to reduce diameter)
Concrete cover to reinforcement: ≥ 75 mm
Base cleanliness: loose debris at toe ≤ 50 mm thickness; dry condition with standing water at base ≤ 50 mm (or inflow < 20–50 L/min) at time of pour
Concrete slump for tremie/trunk: typically 150–220 mm; max aggregate size usually 20 mm
Continuous, uninterrupted concreting from start to finish per pile
Pile head overcast above cut-off: 300–600 mm to be trimmed later
Concrete strength: as per design class (e.g., C35/45 or 35–50 MPa at 28 days)

Interfaces

Survey control and setting out
Geotechnical design verification and any trial pile program
Adjacent structures/utilities protection, access, and traffic management
Concrete supply logistics and testing laboratory coordination
HSE permits to work (excavation, lifting, hot works if cage welding on site) [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations]

References

Document Type	Reference / Number	Notes
Standard	BS EN 1536	Adopt project-specified standard where different (e.g., local code).
Standards	ACI 336.3R, ACI 318, ACI 301	Use where ACI governs; acceptance tolerances per project.
Standard	BS 8004, EN 1997-1
ASTM/EN	ASTM C94, C31, C39, C143, C231, C1064; EN 206	Adopt EN 12350/12390 series where EN governs.
Standard	ASTM A615/A706 or BS 4449; AWS D1.4 for welding	Use couplers per ISO 15835 where specified.
ISO	ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001

Responsibilities

Role	Responsibility	Name / Party
Project Manager	Project Manager	Contractor
QA/QC Manager	QA/QC Manager	Contractor
HSE Manager	HSE Manager	Contractor
Surveyor	Land Surveyor	Contractor
Piling Superintendent	Piling Superintendent	Contractor
Engineer	Engineer/Employer’s Representative	Engineer

Resources

Resource Type	Description	Quantity	Remarks
Personnel	PM, Construction Manager, Piling Superintendent, QA/QC Manager, HSE Manager	5-6	[Verify per project]
Personnel	Rig operator, assistant, banksman/signalman, 2–4 rig men, 2 steel fixers, 2 concreting crew	8-12	[Verify per shift]
Personnel	1 Surveyor, 1 Materials Technician (concrete), 1 Document Controller	3
Personnel	Crane operator and rigger for cage handling	2

Materials

Material	Specification / Grade	Quantity	Remarks
Ready-mix concrete		As per BOQ
Rebar and accessories		As per bar schedule
Steel casing		As required
Placement accessories		1 set

Equipment

Equipment	Capacity / Type	Quantity	Inspection Required
Rotary piling rig	As per design depth/diameter	1–2	Daily pre-use check
Crawler/rough-terrain crane	≥ 50 t [Verify]	1	Lift plan & checklist
Steel casing		Sets as needed	Pre-use visual check
Drilling tools		As required	Daily check
Clean-out bucket		1	Pre-use
Tremie/trunk		1 set	Pre-use
Boom/line pump, mixers		As required	Daily check
Total station/level		1 set	Calibration valid
Camera		1	Function test
Generators, tower lights		As required	Daily check

Prerequisites

Approvals and Documentation

Approved IFC drawings, geotechnical report, design calculations, bar schedules
Approved Method Statement and ITP; task-specific Risk Assessment/Job Hazard Analysis
Approved concrete mix design and supplier credentials
Pile layout schedule and sequence plan, including access and craneage study
Permits: Permit-to-Dig/Excavate, Permit-to-Lift, Hot Work permit if on-site welding [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations]

Site and Plant Readiness

Piling platform certified by a geotechnical engineer for bearing capacity and drainage; platform CBR/plate load verified [Verify]
Utility detection and isolation: updated utility drawings, CAT/Genny scan, trial pits where necessary
Rig mats/temporary working platforms installed as needed; exclusion zones marked
Plant certifications current; daily pre-use inspections completed
Survey control established and verified; pile positions pegged with protection

Materials and Testing Readiness

Reinforcement cages fabricated/inspected; spacers/centralizers available
Tremie/trunk cleaned and assembled; pump lines secured and pressure-tested
Laboratory arrangements for sampling and tests; cube molds and curing boxes prepared
Concrete delivery schedule aligned to ensure continuous pouring

Contingency (Dry Method Boundaries)

Acceptable dry condition defined: standing water at base ≤ 50 mm or inflow ≤ 20–50 L/min at time of pour [Verify per project]
If dry condition cannot be maintained after reasonable casing/cleaning, STOP and escalate to Engineer to switch to alternative method (e.g., extended casing). No slurry use under this method.

Method Sequence

Step	Activity	Description	Responsibility	Inspection / Hold Point
1	Setting out and pre-start briefing	Verify survey control and set pile centers with protected pins. Conduct pre-start briefing covering sequence, hazards, and hold points.	Surveyor / Piling Superintendent	ITP Witness
2	Rig mobilization and platform verification	Position rig over pile; confirm mast verticality and platform stability. Establish exclusion zone and banksman control.	Piling Superintendent	Hold Point
3	Temporary casing installation (partial)	Advance casing through loose/soft strata to stable layer using vibro/rotary method. Check verticality and top level; secure casing.	Piling Superintendent	Witness
4	Dry drilling to design depth	Progress drilling with auger/core barrel to design toe. Record strata, depth, torque, spoil type. Avoid water ingress; no slurry used.	Rig Operator	Surveillance
5	Base cleaning and verification of dry condition	Clean with clean-out bucket; remove loose debris. Verify dryness and cleanliness using weighted tape, camera (if practicable), and spoil inspection.	Piling Superintendent / QA	Hold Point
6	Reinforcement cage placement	Lift cage with certified crane; check length/splices; install centralizers/spacers for 75 mm cover. Suspend/hang to maintain position.	Lifting Supervisor / Steel Fixers	Witness
7	Concrete placement (tremie/trunk)	Position tremie/trunk to within ~0.5–1.0 m of toe to minimize free fall; commence continuous pour. Maintain head to avoid segregation. No interruptions.	Concrete Supervisor	Witness
8	Casing extraction during pour	Withdraw casing progressively while maintaining adequate head of concrete; prevent soil intrusion; vibrate minimally to avoid segregation.	Piling Superintendent	Surveillance
9	Pile head overcasting and initial curing	Overcast 300–600 mm above cut-off; finish surface; protect and cure (moist cover/curing compound) for ≥ 7 days or per spec.	Concrete Supervisor	Surveillance
10	Test specimen sampling	Slump, temperature, air (if specified), and make cylinders/cubes at specified frequency.	QC Technician	Witness
11	Pile head trimming to cut-off	After concrete achieves adequate strength (e.g., ≥ 10–15 MPa), break down overcast to cut-off using appropriate tools. Avoid cage damage.	Piling Superintendent	Surveillance
12	Integrity testing (if specified)	Low strain integrity (PIT) or CSL if tubes provided, after minimum curing age per spec.	QC / Specialist	Witness
13	As-built, records, and demobilization	Compile pile logs, concrete tests, integrity results, and as-built coordinates/levels. Demobilize safely.	QA/QC Manager	Review

Health, Safety and Environment – Safety Controls

Task-Specific Hazards and Controls

Hazard: Underground utility strike during setting out/drilling
Likely consequence: Electrocution, flooding, gas release, project delays
Engineering/procedural control: Review latest utility maps; CAT/Genny scan; trial pits; Permit-to-Dig; minimum clearance distances; spotter during initial drilling
Required PPE: Dielectric gloves when probing, safety boots, FR clothing as needed, eye protection
Collective measure: Physical barriers over known utilities; exclusion zone
Inspection/permit/supervision: Permit-to-Dig approval; HSE/Engineer sign-off [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations]
Hazard: Rig instability/overturning on inadequate platform
Consequence: Fatal crush injuries, asset loss
Control: Geotechnical certification of platform; bearing capacity checks; rig mats; regular inspection after rain; slew limits per lift plan
PPE: Hard hat, hi-vis, boots
Collective: Exclusion zone around rig; banksman control
Inspection/permit/supervision: Platform certificate; daily plant checklist; Lifting Supervisor present
Hazard: Entanglement with rotating kelly/auger
Consequence: Amputation/crush
Control: Guarding; no-go zones; lockout during tool change; only trained personnel near rig
PPE: Gloves suitable for task, snug clothing
Collective: Barricades and signalman
Inspection/permit/supervision: Toolbox talk; supervisor verification of exclusion zones
Hazard: Fall into open borehole
Consequence: Serious injury/fall from height
Control: Bore covered or guarded immediately; use rigid covers or barriers; never leave open bore unattended
PPE: Fall arrest when working near unprotected edges if required
Collective: Edge protection with hi-vis barricades
Inspection/permit/supervision: Supervisor sign-off before breaks/shift changes
Hazard: Lifting reinforcement cages and casings
Consequence: Struck-by, dropped load
Control: Lift plan; certified crane and slings; tag lines; wind limits per lift plan; no personnel under suspended loads
PPE: Hard hat with chin strap, gloves, boots
Collective: Exclusion zone; banksman
Inspection/permit/supervision: Permit-to-Lift; pre-lift meeting; daily crane inspection
Hazard: Concrete pump line failure/whip
Consequence: Impact injury, chemical burns
Control: Secure line with whip checks; pressure test; use clamps and safety pins; maintain safe distance
PPE: Eye/face protection, gloves, waterproof boots
Collective: Barriers and signage at discharge area
Inspection/permit/supervision: Pump inspection checklist; supervisor authorization
Hazard: Cement/concrete chemical exposure
Consequence: Dermatitis/alkali burns
Control: Avoid skin contact; washing stations; correct handling of admixtures
PPE: Alkali-resistant gloves, long sleeves, goggles
Collective: Welfare facilities with eyewash
Inspection/permit/supervision: HSE inspection; SDS available
Hazard: Noise and vibration from drilling/casing
Consequence: Hearing loss, nuisance to neighbors
Control: Time restrictions; maintained tooling; use hearing protection; monitor levels if required
PPE: Ear defenders
Collective: Noise barriers if near receptors
Inspection/permit/supervision: Environmental monitoring records
Hazard: Night/low-light operations
Consequence: Poor visibility leading to incidents
Control: Tower lighting; reflective PPE; task lighting free of glare/shadow
PPE: Hi-vis, head torch if needed
Collective: Light tower placement plan
Inspection/permit/supervision: HSE night-shift inspection
Hazard: Hot works (if welding cages)
Consequence: Fire, burns
Control: Hot Work Permit; fire watch; fire blankets/extinguishers; segregated area
PPE: Welding shield, FR clothing, gloves
Collective: Fire points
Inspection/permit/supervision: Permit; welder qualifications
Hazard: Proximity to overhead lines
Consequence: Electrocution/arc
Control: Maintain statutory clearances; de-energize where possible; physical goalposts
PPE: Dielectric PPE where mandated
Collective: Exclusion zones
Inspection/permit/supervision: Permit-to-Work and electrical authority approval
Hazard: Manual handling of spacers/small tools
Consequence: Musculoskeletal injury
Control: Mechanical aids where feasible; team lifts; weight limits
PPE: Gloves, boots
Collective: Handling aids staged at point of use
Inspection/permit/supervision: Supervisor checks

Note: All controls to be aligned with project HSE plan, local regulations, and client requirements.

Environmental Controls

Environmental Risk Controls

Spoil management (dry drilling):
Control: Segregate spoil by type; store on impermeable, bunded area; prevent run-off; test and classify per local waste regs before disposal/reuse.
Water in bore (minor dewatering):
Control: If water present within dry criteria, pump to sediment tank/bag; no discharge to stormwater without silt removal and pH check [Verify].
Dust from dry drilling/spoil handling:
Control: Light misting (avoid water into bore), covered skips, speed control on haul routes.
Noise/vibration:
Control: Limit hours; maintain equipment; install temporary acoustic barriers near receptors; monitoring if required by permit.
Concrete washout and truck chute cleaning:
Control: Dedicated lined washout pit with containment; remove hardened waste to licensed facility.
Fuel, oils, and chemicals:
Control: Bunded storage; spill kits at refueling; trained spill response; immediate reporting.
Protection of adjacent structures/trees:
Control: Exclusion zones and root protection areas; vibration monitoring near sensitive assets if specified.
Community/traffic management:
Control: Approved traffic plan; wheel wash; road sweepers; clear signage.
Materials efficiency:
Control: Optimize cage fabrication to reduce offcuts; return unused admixtures to supplier.
Emergency environmental response:
Control: Spill response plan; emergency contacts posted; drills conducted.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

QA/QC Strategy

Hold and Witness Points: As per ITP. Key holds prior to concreting: base cleanliness/dryness, reinforcement inspection, approval to pour.
Calibration: Survey instruments and concrete thermometers calibrated; pump pressure gauges verified.
Documentation: Daily piling log capturing pile ID, coordinates, tool used, casing depth, drilling time, final depth, soil profile, base checks, concrete volumes (theoretical/actual), start/finish times, interruptions, anomalies.
Tolerances: Location ±75 mm; verticality ≤ 1:200; cover ≥ 75 mm; head cut-off ±10 mm; depth +100/−0 mm [Verify].
Testing Frequencies [Verify per project]:
Slump/temperature per truck
Strength: minimum 1 set (e.g., 6 cylinders or 3 cubes) per 50–75 m³ and at least 1 set per day
Air content if specified for the mix
Integrity testing per schedule (PIT/CSL) after age/design strength
Nonconformance: Stop work and raise NCR for out-of-tolerance piles; agree remedial actions (e.g., load test, grouting, under-ream, additional pile) with Engineer before proceeding.
Records and As-builts: Submit pile records within 48 hours; update as-built drawings with final toe levels and coordinates.

Attachments

Typical Attachments

Approved drawings and bar schedules
Geotechnical report and pile design schedule
Concrete mix design approvals and supplier certifications
Plant certifications (rig, crane, lifting gear) and inspection logs
Platform certification and utility clearance records
Daily piling log template and base inspection checklist
ITP and checklists; RFIs/IRs
Risk Assessment/Method Statement (RAMS) and permits
Integrity testing procedures and sample reports
As-built template and turnover documentation

This content is a read-only public reference. Download or customize to get an editable version.

ITP preview

The first inspection activities from the linked ITP for Method Statement – Bored Cast-in-Place Concrete Piles (Dry Drilling Method):

Activity	Inspection / Test	Acceptance Criteria	Responsibility	Record
Setting out verification	Check pile coordinates vs grid; Witness point	Within ±75 mm of design centerline or per spec	Surveyor / QA	Survey report; IR approval
Piling platform certification	Review platform certificate; visual inspection; Hold point	Certified safe bearing and drainage; no soft spots	Contractor / Engineer	Platform certificate; checklist
Plant and lifting gear	Verify inspection tags; load charts; daily checklists	Valid certifications; no defects	Contractor / HSE	Plant logs; lifting gear register

Showing 3 of 12 inspection activities. View full ITP →

Related Inspection and Test Plan

An Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) is available for Method Statement – Bored Cast-in-Place Concrete Piles (Dry Drilling Method). The ITP defines the inspection activities, acceptance criteria, hold and witness points, responsible parties, and records required to verify the work described in this method statement.

View the Method Statement – Bored Cast-in-Place Concrete Piles (Dry Drilling Method) ITP →

Frequently asked questions