Foundation equipment forms the cornerstone of construction projects, particularly those involving large structures like skyscrapers, bridges, and heavy industrial plants. The choice of foundation equipment is crucial as it must ensure stability, safety, and longevity of the structure. This article delves into the various types of foundation equipment used in the construction industry and explores current trends influencing this sector.

The demand for piling, drilling and deep foundation equipment is on the rise, thanks to the greater number of construction projects necessitating such equipment being rolled out. Even better news is the fact that Indian contractors are demanding not just conventional technologies but newer piling and deep foundation technologies, which is spurring the sector to unprecedented heights.

Indian contractors are not only increasingly adopting new technology but using equipment in an innovative manner. For instance, Geo Foundations & Structures, Chennai, is using two Mait HR180 hydraulic piling rigs, each fitted with a 60-m kelly bar, to drill bores in the seabed from a moving gantry for a jetty for L&T Shipyard.

Earlier, drilling in the seabed was done using hydraulic rigs but instead of a moving gantry the rigs were mounted either on a jack-up platform or floating barges. This system is at least five times faster than drilling from the gantry using conventional tripod rigs as it saves time and financial resources (owing to faster completion).

The market size of the foundation equipment in India is estimated to be Rs 150-170 crore. The size of the market is well–expected to grow up with number of port projects lined up for green field and brown field expansion. Growth would also be catered by underground metro railway projects added with overall development of core infrastructure and real estate projects lined up.

Policy paralysis has made a major dent in demand for foundation equipment. A sluggish mood prevails over this industry segment. But the silver lining is that slow times are making construction companies more conscious about productivity and demanding of latest technologies.

The demand for foundation equipment in India is backed by continuous effort for modernisation of infrastructure. Major demand for foundation equipment comes from construction projects such as roads, metro, railway, power plants, special economic zone, mining and water and irrigation sector. Sany Heavy Industry (India), MAIT India, Bauer Equipment India, Casagrande (India) Piling & Geotechnical Equipment, Thyssenkrupp, PRD Rigs, Schwing Stetter, Ashok Industries and GeTech Equipments are some of the players competing in the Indian market on various grounds such as customer base, geographical presence, technology, repair and maintenance, product portfolio, etc.

Karan Chechi, Research Director, TechSci Research, says, “Several government initiatives such as development of urban infrastructure including metro rail projects, ports, industrial corridors and freight corridors are anticipated to boost infrastructural development in India. The focus of this will be to improve the connectivity by train, air, water and roadways. Additionally, the focus on smart buildings is constantly increasing in India, which is majorly attributed to the rising population, increasing urbanisation and improving lifestyle. Also, demand for affordable housing is increasing with rising income levels. All these are expected to provide a promising future for the foundation equipment market.”

Market trends in foundation equipment
Automation and Robotics: Automation is revolutionising the foundation equipment sector. Robotic equipment can perform repetitive tasks more efficiently and with greater accuracy than human-operated machines. This not only speeds up the construction process but also reduces labor costs and improves safety by minimising human error.

Eco-friendly technologies: As global awareness of environmental issues grows, the demand for sustainable construction practices is increasing. Manufacturers are now producing foundation equipment that emits fewer pollutants and uses less energy. This equipment often employs electric or hybrid engines and uses advanced technologies to reduce noise and carbon footprints.

Advanced materials and techniques: The development of stronger, more durable materials is enhancing the capabilities of foundation equipment. For example, new steel alloys and composite materials are being used to produce lighter, more robust, and more corrosion-resistant machines. Additionally, innovative techniques such as Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) and drilled shafts are improving the efficiency and effectiveness of foundation construction.

Data integration and IoT: The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in foundation equipment allows for the real-time monitoring and control of machinery. Sensors embedded in equipment can track everything from fuel consumption and operational hours to stress levels and maintenance needs. This data is invaluable for improving operational efficiency and predictive maintenance.

Increased modularisation: Modular construction techniques are becoming more prevalent in the foundation equipment industry. These techniques involve preassembling components of the equipment in a factory, which are then transported and quickly assembled on-site. This method reduces construction time, waste, and overall costs.

“The demand for foundation equipment in India is cyclic in nature, it will grow for two to three years at the rate of 20-25 per cent and then for next one to two years, it will remain flat. However, the major demand of foundation equipment will come from metros, MTHL and other important government projects”, says Sanjay Saxena, COO – Sales , Marketing and Customer Support, Sany India & South Asia.

Vast product range
In foundation equipment, Sany Heavy Industry India offers small sized rigs for soft soils SR155 and SR205; mid-sized and higher depths - SR235, SR265, and SR285; and big sized and for hard rock SR365, SR405, SR445, and SR485. “We already have a vast range of piling rigs, however, to serve our customers better we will be introducing some more models in near future like SR185, SR215, SR245, SR335 and micro piling,” adds Saxena.

Sany rigs are generally heavy in weight which increases the stability while operation. Also, crowd force of Sany rigs is maximum, which helps us cut through the rock very easily. The company uses renowned engines in its piling rigs, which help increase its efficiency by almost six per cent more than its respective competition. This also helps in low fuel consumption while operating rigs. We use auto calibration mode which helps in accurate vertical drilling.

MAIT rigs are most preferred and coveted equipment because of ease of operation and maintenance, coupled with unmatched service as well as spare parts support. MAIT rigs are multipurpose equipment that can be used for different foundation techniques like bore piles, CFA piles, diaphragm walls, stone columns, driven piles, cased CFA piles, SDA piles etc.

MAIT HR180 and HR260 are the most popular rig models depending upon the soil profile, which are suitable for drilling 2 m diameter and 40 m depth. Currently, there are more than 500 units of HR180 and more than 40 units of HR260 rigs operational with Indian customers.

Casagrande piling rigs have found applications in many construction projects across the country. Prime among this includes, construction of underpass section in New Delhi by Valecha Engineering. The company is using a Casagrande B125 with a KRC1 Diaphragm Wall Kelly Bar. The piling rigs have been finding usage in construction of DMRC projects.

Challenges
The initial investment for advanced foundation equipment can be prohibitively high, especially for small to medium-sized enterprises. This can limit their ability to adopt newer technologies and remain competitive.

As equipment becomes more technologically advanced, the need for skilled operators increases. However, there is a notable shortage of trained personnel in the construction industry, which can hinder the deployment of sophisticated machinery.

Construction sites are governed by strict regulations aimed at ensuring safety and environmental compliance. Adhering to these regulations can be challenging, especially when introducing new technologies or equipment.

Conclusion
The foundation equipment market is undergoing significant transformations driven by technological advancements, environmental concerns, and evolving construction practices. While the sector faces challenges such as high costs and regulatory complexities, the trends indicate a move towards more efficient, safe, and sustainable construction methods. As these trends continue to develop, they promise to reshape the landscape of foundation construction, making it smarter, faster, and greener.

Types of foundation equipment
Piling rigs: Piling rigs are essential for driving piles into the soil to support the foundation of a structure. They are available in various types based on their operation mode, including hydraulic, diesel, and vibratory hammers. Each type is suited for different soil conditions and project requirements.

Drilling rigs: Used for creating holes for cast-in-place piles, drilling rigs are vital for constructing deep foundations. These rigs vary from small, mobile units for tight spaces to large, heavy-duty machines capable of reaching great depths.

Excavation equipment: This includes a range of machinery such as excavators, backhoe loaders, and trenchers. These are used for digging, removing, and relocating soil or rock from the foundation site. Modern excavation equipment often features enhancements such as GPS and real-time data capabilities to increase precision and efficiency.

Crane and lifting equipment: Cranes are pivotal in moving heavy foundation elements like steel cages and concrete blocks. Lifting equipment must be robust and reliable to handle the significant weights involved in foundation construction.