Franki piles, also known as pressure injected footings (PIFS), are high-capacity, cast-in-place elements constructed using a drop weight and casing.

Keller rig demonstrating franki piles technique

Common uses

Provide structural support


A two to three-foot diameter steel casing is vertically positioned at a planned location.

The bottom three to five feet of the casing is filled with a very dry concrete mix and a steel cylinder with a diameter slightly smaller than the casing then repeatedly dropped inside. The mix locks into the bottom of the casing and the repeated blows of the drop weight advance the casing to the design depth.

The casing is stopped from advancing further and additional weight drops eject the dry mix out of the bottom of the casing.

Additional dry mix is added and driven from the casing until a design resistance to further displacement is achieved. Reinforcing steel and concrete are then placed in the casing and the casing is removed.


Finished foundation element resists compressive, uplift, and lateral loads