Method Statement for Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) Piling – Parameters, Monitoring, Reinforcement & QA/QC – Method Statement

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 – continuous flight auger (cfa) piling works 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

Overview

This method statement covers planning, execution, monitoring, and quality control of Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piling works for building and infrastructure foundations. It includes setting out, platform preparation, auger drilling, continuous concrete pumping during auger extraction, automated data logging, reinforcement cage installation with vibratory equipment, tolerances, testing, and records.

Inclusions

CFA piles of design diameters typically 400–1200 mm and lengths up to project design limits [Verify per project specifications].
Drilling with continuous flight auger, pumping of concrete through hollow stem, and controlled auger extraction.
Real-time monitoring and recording of depth, torque, pull-down, extraction rate, concrete pressure, flow, and volume.
Vibratory installation of prefabricated reinforcement cages into fresh concrete.
Pile head trimming and temporary protection.
Concrete sampling and testing.
Pile integrity testing (PIT) and load testing where specified.

Exclusions

Permanent casings, secant/tangent pile walls (unless specified), diaphragm walls, and displacement piles other than CFA.
Ground improvement, dewatering, or grouting unless specifically directed.

Key Performance Requirements

Positional tolerance at cut-off: typically ±75 mm for D ≤ 750 mm; ±100 mm for D > 750 mm [Verify per project specifications].
Verticality tolerance: not exceeding 1:100 [Verify].
Concrete continuity: maintain positive head/pressure, target volume factor 1.10–1.35 of theoretical, subject to ground conditions [Verify].
Concrete slump (pumpable CFA mix): typically 180 ± 20 mm or slump-flow 550–650 mm with max aggregate 20 mm [Verify].
Maintain continuous concrete pumping pressure during auger extraction: typically 0.3–0.6 MPa at the swivel/auger head, sufficient to prevent inflow/necking [Verify].
Cage installation into fresh concrete within target time window (e.g., ≤30–45 minutes from completion of concreting, considering admixtures and temperature) [Verify].

References

Document Type	Reference / Number	Notes
Standard	BS EN 1536: Execution of special geotechnical works – Bored piles (includes CFA)	Primary execution standard for bored/CFA piles [Verify national annex].
Standard	EN 1997-1 (Eurocode 7) – Geotechnical design	Design principles, partial factors, testing and control.
Standard	EN 206 – Concrete specification, performance, production and conformity	Concrete supply, conformity and testing.
Standard	EN 12350 (Parts 1–7) – Testing fresh concrete (slump, flow, density, temperature, air)	Sampling and fresh concrete tests.
Standard	EN 12390 (Parts 1–3,7) – Hardened concrete tests (making, curing, compressive strength)	Cube/cylinder preparation and compressive strength.
Standard/Guide	ACI 336.3R – Guide to Design and Construction of Auger Cast-in-Place Piles	US practice reference for ACIP/CFA techniques and QC.
Standard	ASTM D5882 – Low Strain Integrity Testing of Deep Foundations	PIT for integrity assessment (where specified).
Standard	EN ISO 22477-1 – Testing of geotechnical structures, Part 1: Vertical load tests on piles	Static load testing (maintained load/quick tests).
Guidance	ICE Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls (SPERW), latest ed.	Execution and tolerances guidance [Verify project edition].
Standard	BS 5975 – Temporary works procedures and the permissible stress design of falsework	Temporary works design and control of piling platform and lifting operations.

Responsibilities

Role	Responsibility	Name / Party
PM	Project Manager	Contractor
SM/CM	Site Manager / Construction Manager	Contractor
TWC	Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC)	Contractor
Supervisor	Piling Supervisor	Specialist Piling Subcontractor
Operator	Rig Operator	Specialist Piling Subcontractor
Supplier Rep	Concrete Pump/Batching Representative	Ready-Mix Supplier
QA/QC	QA/QC Engineer	Contractor
Surveyor	Land Surveyor	Contractor
HSE	HSE Manager/Officer	Contractor
Client Rep	Client/Engineer’s Representative	Client/Engineer

Resources

Resource Type	Description	Quantity	Remarks
Labour		1 Supervisor, 1 Rig Operator, 1 Pump Operator, 2 Banksmen/Slingers, 2 Steel Fixers, 1 QA/QC Technician, 1 General Operative per rig
Labour		1 Surveyor + 1 Assistant (as required)
Service		Continuous supply 20–60 m³/h depending on pile size [Verify]

Materials

Material	Specification / Grade	Quantity	Remarks
Ready-Mix Concrete for CFA	Strength class typically C30/37 or as designed; max aggregate 20 mm; target slump 180 ± 20 mm or slump-flow 550–650 mm; w/c ≤ 0.55; Chloride class per exposure [Verify].
Reinforcement Steel (Cage)	Grade per design (e.g., B500B/B500C); cover spacers (non-absorbent) to achieve nominal cover (typically 50–75 mm) [Verify].
Spacers and Centralizers	To maintain concentricity and specified cover during vibratory insertion.

Equipment

Equipment	Capacity / Type	Inspection Required
CFA Rig & Hollow-Stem Auger	Torque typically 100–300 kNm; auger diameters 400–1200 mm [Verify]	Daily pre-use, weekly inspection, service records
Concrete Pump & Delivery System	Flow 20–60 m³/h; working pressure 6–10 bar (0.6–1.0 MPa) [Verify]	Pressure test and certification within 6 months; hose inspection each shift
Cage Vibrator	Frequency 50–200 Hz; power as required [Verify]	PAT test; daily checks
Crawler/Truck Crane	Capacity per lift study [Verify]	LOLER/third-party certificates; daily checks
Automated Rig Data Logger	Data resolution ≤0.1 m depth; sample rate ≥1 Hz	Calibration certificate ≤6 months old
Pile Head Trimming Tools		Pre-use inspection; guards in place

Prerequisites

Approved detailed design, construction drawings, and this Method Statement/ITP.
Site investigation records, obstructions survey, and utility clearance (permits to dig; ground-penetrating radar where required).
Piling platform designed, installed, and certified by TWC; platform level tolerance typically ±20 mm over 5 m, bearing capacity verified [Verify].
Access, exclusion zones, traffic and pedestrian management plans in place.
Calibrations: data logger, depth encoder, pressure transducer, and flow meter (certificates ≤6 months) [Verify].
Concrete mix design approved (EN 206 conformity), including admixture dosages and target workability at point of placement; trial mix where specified.
Concrete supply sequencing confirmed; contingency plan for delays (standby truck/pump where critical) [Verify].
Lifting plans and certificates for cages; tag lines and lifting points detailed.
Reinforcement cages fabricated to approved BBS; spacers/centralizers installed.
Pre-start meeting and toolbox talk covering hazards of high-pressure concrete, exclusion zones, signaling, and emergency procedures.
Weather monitoring plan; cold/hot weather concreting measures [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations].
Emergency response equipment: eye wash, neutralizing agent for cement burns, spill kits.
Hold/witness points agreed with Client/Engineer before start.

Method Sequence

Step	Activity	Description	Responsibility	Inspection / Hold Point
1	Setting Out and Controls	Survey and mark pile locations and cut-off levels using total station/RTK. Install reference benchmarks away from piling operations.	Surveyor	Independent check of coordinates/levels
2	Piling Platform and Access	Verify platform thickness, compaction, and drainage; install rig mats where required; define exclusion zones and haul routes.	TWC / Site Manager	Platform certificate review and visual inspection
3	Pre-Drill Checks	Confirm utilities clearance; verify rig, pump, lines, and gauges serviceability; ensure data logger active and job file set.	Piling Supervisor	Pre-start inspection
4	Auger Alignment and Positioning	Align auger over pile center using mast indicators; verify verticality.	Rig Operator	Visual/plumb; sensor reading
5	Auger Penetration (Drilling)	Drill with continuous rotation. Control RPM and crowd to avoid excessive soil loosening. Typical drilling: 20–35 rpm; penetration 0.3–0.8 m/min depending on soil [Verify].	Rig Operator	Monitor torque/crowd on logger
6	Encountering Obstructions	If refusal/obstruction encountered, stop; assess with Engineer. Options: pre-drill with coring, chisel, or relocate per design.	Piling Supervisor/Engineer	Stop-work and assess
7	Toe Confirmation	Confirm final depth via encoder and correlate to design toe level; allow additional 0.3–0.5 m penetration into bearing stratum if specified [Verify].	Rig Operator / QA	Logger and depth check
8	Concrete Pump Priming and Readiness	Prime line with grout/cement slurry if specified; confirm continuous supply on standby truck. Verify pressure gauge zero and logger channels for pressure/flow active.	Pump Operator / QA	Line inspection
9	Initial Charging of Auger Toe	Start concrete pumping before auger extraction until pressure stabilizes. Ensure toe fully charged; avoid loss of head.	Rig & Pump Operators	Monitor pressure and flow
10	Controlled Auger Extraction with Continuous Pumping	Extract auger steadily while pumping concrete through hollow stem. Adjust extraction speed to maintain positive concrete head above auger tip (≥1.5–2.0 m) and target volume factor 1.10–1.35 of theoretical (soil dependent). Typical extraction 0.3–0.7 m/min [Verify].	Rig & Pump Operators	Real-time logger review by Supervisor/QA
11	Completion at Cut-off Level	Stop extraction when concrete reaches above design cut-off to allowance (typically +0.3 to +0.8 m) for trimming [Verify]. Remove auger fully, avoiding suction.	Rig Operator	Visual and logger check
12	Fresh Concrete Sampling and Testing	Sample at pump discharge during steady flow. Perform slump (EN 12350-2) or slump-flow (EN 12350-8), temperature, density (EN 12350-6). Prepare cubes/cylinders (EN 12390-2).	QA/QC Technician	Witness by Engineer (if hold)
13	Reinforcement Cage Installation with Vibration	Lift cage with certified crane; align and insert into fresh concrete using external vibrator/poker to assist penetration. Maintain cover using spacers/centralizers. Avoid excessive vibration causing segregation.	Piling Supervisor / Steel Fixers	Visual; measure embedment and projection
14	Pile Head Protection and Identification	Mark pile ID, date/time, and level. Install temporary protection around green concrete. Prevent contamination or traffic loads.	Site Manager	Site inspection
15	As-Built Survey	Survey pile centers at cut-off or at accessible point after curing; adjust to grid.	Surveyor	QA review
16	Integrity/Load Testing (If Specified)	Carry out PIT (ASTM D5882) after minimum curing period (typically ≥3 days) and/or static load test per EN ISO 22477-1. Select piles per testing plan.	Testing Subcontractor / QA	Witness by Engineer
17	Pile Head Trimming	After sufficient strength gain, break down to design cut-off; remove weak laitance/debris; protect reinforcement.	Site Team	QA/Engineer inspection
18	Records and Handover	Compile rig data logs, concrete tests, cage records, as-built, and inspection forms; submit for approval.	QA/QC Engineer	Document review

Health, Safety and Environment – Safety Controls

Task-Specific Hazards and Controls

Hazard: Underground service strike during auger penetration
Consequence: Electrocution, flooding, gas release, major service outage
Engineering/Procedural Control: Permit-to-dig; reviewed utility maps; GPR/locating; trial holes where uncertainty; restricted drill depth until cleared; spotter present.
Required PPE: Dielectric gloves when required, safety boots, arc-rated clothing if working near HV, eye/face protection.
Collective Preventive Measure: Physical barriers and exclusion zone; lock-out from utility owners if applicable.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: Permit-to-dig signed; pre-start briefing; Supervisor sign-off. [Verify per project HSE plan and local regulations]
Hazard: Rig instability/overturn due to inadequate platform
Consequence: Crushing, equipment damage, ground collapse
Engineering/Procedural Control: TWC-designed platform with bearing capacity verified; outrigger mats; slope limits; daily platform inspection; stop work in excessive rainfall.
Required PPE: Hard hat, high-visibility clothing, safety boots.
Collective Preventive Measure: Exclusion zones around rig swing radius.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: Platform certificate; daily checklist; Supervisor authorization.
Hazard: High-pressure concrete hose/line failure
Consequence: Injection injury, impact, splatter burns/alkaline burns
Engineering/Procedural Control: Pressure test and certification; whip checks; secure couplings; line routed to minimize bends; pressure relief protocol; never stand over couplings.
Required PPE: Face shield, safety goggles, alkali-resistant gloves, long sleeves, waterproof over-trousers.
Collective Preventive Measure: Pump exclusion zone; barricades; emergency stop accessible.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: Hose inspection each shift; pressure gauge functional; permit-to-pump.
Hazard: Entanglement with rotating auger/rig components
Consequence: Severe lacerations, amputation, fatality
Engineering/Procedural Control: Interlocked guards; clear separation distance; banksman control; no manual handling near rotating parts; lock-out before maintenance.
Required PPE: Tight-fitting clothing, gloves suitable for task, hard hat, eye protection.
Collective Preventive Measure: Physical barriers, spotter, two-way radios.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: Supervisor authorization; LOTOTO for maintenance.
Hazard: Lifting operations for reinforcement cages
Consequence: Dropped loads/crushing
Engineering/Procedural Control: Lift plan; certified crane and lifting gear; tag lines; no personnel under suspended load; weather/wind limits observed.
Required PPE: Hard hat with chin strap, gloves, safety boots, high-vis.
Collective Preventive Measure: Exclusion zone with banksman control.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: LOLER/3rd-party certs; pre-lift check; appointed person sign-off.
Hazard: Vibratory insertion of cage
Consequence: Hand-arm vibration, ejection/splash of concrete, pinching
Engineering/Procedural Control: Use handles/remote triggers; limit exposure time; maintain grip and stance; low‑slump splash guards; control vibration amplitude.
Required PPE: Anti-vibration gloves, face shield, waterproof clothing.
Collective Preventive Measure: Barriers to protect bystanders; task rotation.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: HAVS monitoring; Supervisor oversight.
Hazard: Cementitious burns and respiratory irritation
Consequence: Chemical burns, dermatitis, eye injury
Engineering/Procedural Control: Wash stations; neutralizing agents; no hand immersion; use tools for sampling; prompt decontamination.
Required PPE: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles/face shield, long sleeves.
Collective Preventive Measure: Designated wash/welfare area.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: HSE inspections; first-aid readiness.
Hazard: Overhead lines/proximity hazards
Consequence: Electrocution, arcing
Engineering/Procedural Control: Minimum approach distances; de-energization or physical barriers; spotter guidance; boom height limiters if available.
Required PPE: As per utility requirements.
Collective Preventive Measure: Exclusion/buffer zones marked on ground.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: Permit to work near HV; coordination with utility owner.
Hazard: Noise and vibration
Consequence: Hearing loss, nuisance to neighbors
Engineering/Procedural Control: Maintain equipment; use acoustic shrouds where feasible; schedule within permitted hours.
Required PPE: Hearing protection (SNR rating suited to measured dB).
Collective Preventive Measure: Noise barriers near receptors.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: Noise monitoring logs; compliance with permits.
Hazard: Night/low visibility operations
Consequence: Struck-by incidents
Engineering/Procedural Control: Task lighting to ≥50 lux general and ≥200 lux workface [Verify]; reflective PPE; clear communication.
Required PPE: High-vis, head torch as needed.
Collective Preventive Measure: Light towers positioned to avoid glare.
Inspection/Permit/Supervision: Night-work permit; Supervisor presence.

Environmental Controls

Spoil/Arisings Management: Stockpile on impermeable membrane; classify per waste regulations; cover to prevent runoff; dispose to licensed facility with transfer notes.
Concrete Washout: Dedicated lined washout pit; no discharge to surface water; vacuum recovery where mobile washout is used.
Water/Slurry Control: Prevent concrete-contaminated water from entering drains; use silt socks/sedimentation tanks; pH monitoring if discharge permitted [Verify local permits].
Noise and Working Hours: Comply with local ordinances; use quieter plant modes; maintain mufflers; monitor dB at site boundary if required.
Vibration to Sensitive Structures: Pre-condition surveys for adjacent assets; monitor PPV with trigger levels typically 5–10 mm/s at foundations [Verify].
Air Quality and Dust: Damp down haul roads; cover trucks; minimize rehandling of arisings; engines off when idle.
Fuel and Chemical Storage: Bunded areas with 110% capacity; spill kits at pumps; immediate cleanup; report per incident procedure.
Ecology/Watercourse Protection: Exclusion buffers; emergency spill response; no refueling within 20 m of watercourses [Verify].
Waste Segregation: Metals (rebar offcuts), timber, plastics segregated; records maintained for recycling rates.
Cultural/Archaeological Finds: Stop work and notify Engineer if unexpected finds encountered.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)

Key Controls and Tolerances

Pile Position: At cut-off within ±75 mm (≤750 mm dia) or ±100 mm (>750 mm dia) unless specified otherwise [Verify].
Verticality: ≤1:100 deviation.
Toe Level: Achieve design depth within −0/+100 mm unless directed; over-drill only with approval [Verify].
Concrete Continuity: Maintain positive pressure and head; actual volume vs theoretical target 1.10–1.35 dependent on soil; investigate if <1.05 or >1.50.
Concrete Properties: Workability at point of placement within approved range; temperature 5–35°C; strength per design at 28 days (EN 206, EN 12390).
Cage Placement: Embedment to required depth; cover typically 50–75 mm with spacers; top projection ≥1000 mm above cut-off [Verify].

Testing Frequencies

Fresh Concrete: Workability/temperature/density for each pile start and thereafter at least 1 set per 50 m³ and minimum 1 set per shift [Verify].
Strength: 1 set of 3 cubes/cylinders per 50 m³ (7 & 28 days) [Verify].
Integrity: PIT on percentage of working piles (typ. 100% for critical, else 20–50%) [Verify].
Load Tests: As per spec (e.g., 1–2% of piles or as directed) [Verify].

Records and Data

Automated rig logs (depth, torque, RPM, crowd, extraction rate, pressure, flow, volume vs depth) for each pile.
Concrete delivery tickets, sampling sheets, test reports.
Cage insertion and reinforcement inspection records.
As-built pile register (ID, coordinates, dia, depth, volumes, dates).

Non-Conformance and Corrective Measures

Triggers: Volume outside bands; loss of pressure; visible necking; deviation beyond tolerances; test failures.
Actions: Stop and notify Engineer; consider re-drill/replace adjacent pile, remedial grouting, or load re-distribution per Designer’s direction. Root cause analysis and preventive actions documented.

Hold/Witness

Hold: Pre-start setup (platform, calibration), first pile, trial mix, integrity/load testing setups.
Witness: Fresh concrete tests, cage insertion measurements, as-built survey points.

Attachments

Approved drawings and pile schedule.
Piling platform design and certificate.
Equipment calibration certificates (logger, depth encoder, pressure, flow) and maintenance records.
Concrete mix design approval, material datasheets (cement, admixtures), and ready-mix plant certification.
Lifting plans, certificates of cranes and lifting accessories.
Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS); permits to dig/pump/night work as applicable.
Pre-pour checklists; cage inspection sheets.
Daily rig data logs and exports (CSV/PDF) with pressure/flow/volume traces per pile.
Concrete sampling records, test reports (fresh and hardened).
Integrity/load testing plans and reports.
As-built survey records and final pile register.
Non-conformance reports and corrective action close-outs.

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ITP preview

The first inspection activities from the linked ITP for Method Statement – Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) Piling Works:

Activity	Inspection / Test	Acceptance Criteria	Responsibility	Record
Method Statement/ITP Approval	Document review/approval	Approved prior to works commencement	Contractor QA/QC / Client Rep	Approved MS/ITP, distribution sheet
Piling Platform Certification	Visual and certificate review	Platform certificate valid; platform intact and level within tolerance	TWC / QA/QC	Platform certificate; daily checklist
Set-out Verification	Coordinate/level check	Pile center within ±10 mm pre-drill; benchmarks protected	Surveyor / QA/QC	Set-out report

Showing 3 of 15 inspection activities. View full ITP →

Related Inspection and Test Plan

An Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) is available for Method Statement – Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) Piling Works. 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 – Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) Piling Works ITP →

Frequently asked questions

Typically a target slump of 180 ± 20 mm or slump-flow 550–650 mm with 20 mm max aggregate, verified at the pump discharge. [Verify per project specifications]

Concrete is pumped through the hollow stem while extracting the auger at a controlled rate, maintaining 0.3–0.6 MPa at the head and a positive concrete head above the auger tip. [Verify]

Immediately after concreting, typically within 30–45 minutes depending on admixtures and temperature, using vibratory assistance to achieve embedment and cover. [Verify]

Position at cut-off is typically ±75 mm (≤750 mm dia) or ±100 mm (>750 mm dia); verticality is typically within 1:100. [Verify]

Automated logs of depth, torque, crowd force, RPM, extraction speed, concrete pressure and flow, and actual vs theoretical volume, exportable for each pile.

Method Statement – Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) Piling Works – Method Statement