Excavator at Construction Site

Precision Foundations for Restricted Sites

Ancora Foundations

SFA Piling Specialists

SFA Piling – Precision Foundations for Restricted Sites

At Ancora Foundations Ltd, we specialise in SFA piling (Segmental Flight Auger piling), delivering high-performance, technically precise foundation solutions for projects where access is restricted, headroom is low, or traditional piling rigs cannot operate efficiently. Our SFA piling contractors provide cost-effective, low-vibration, and structurally robust piles for residential, commercial, and civil engineering projects across Sussex, Surrey, Kent, London, and the South East.

What is SFA Piling?

Segmental Flight Auger (SFA) piling is a bored piling technique designed for sites with limited access, confined spaces, or challenging ground conditions. Using a modular auger system, SFA piling installs continuous, high-quality reinforced concrete piles without the need for large-scale piling rigs. Unlike standard CFA piling, SFA piles are installed in segments, allowing for precision drilling in low headroom areas and complex urban environments. Once the auger reaches the design depth, concrete is pumped through the hollow stem, and a reinforcement cage is inserted, creating a structurally strong, in-situ pile capable of supporting high vertical and lateral loads.

Technical Capabilities

Parameter Typical Range / Capability
Pile Diameter 250mm – 450mm (specialist rigs up to 600mm)
Pile Depth Up to 25m (depending on soil conditions)
Soil Types Clay, silt, sand, gravel, mixed strata
Installation Method Segmental auger boring with in-situ concrete placement
Load Capacity Designed to meet structural requirements per Eurocode 7 / BS EN standards

Key Benefits of SFA Piling

  • Restricted Access Capability: Ideal for basements, extensions, and inner-city developments.
  • Low Noise and Vibration: Perfect for sensitive urban sites and adjacent structures.
  • Flexible Installation: Modular auger design allows for varying pile diameters and depths.
  • High Structural Performance: Engineered to provide reliable load-bearing capacity in diverse ground conditions.
  • Rapid, Efficient Construction: Minimises disruption and shortens project timelines.
  • Precision Engineering: Full telemetry and monitoring ensure accuracy, verticality, and quality control.
Restricted Access

Expertise in restricted access and low-headroom sites where traditional rigs cannot operate.

Fully Compliant

Compliance with Eurocode 7, BS EN 1536, and NHBC standards.

Why Clients Choose Ancora: Quality-focused, fast turnaround, fully compliant, and commercially efficient.

Services FAQ

For sites with limited access or low headroom (like basements or rear gardens), we use SFA (Segmental Flight Auger), Grundomat, or Helical piling. These methods utilise compact, handheld, or modular equipment that avoids the need for large rigs.
We use ODEX piling for challenging strata. This method cases the hole simultaneously while drilling, preventing bore collapse in loose soil and allowing us to penetrate through boulders, fill, or rock obstructions securely.
Yes. Beyond piling, our Reinforced Concrete (RC) teams construct piled rafts, ground beams, and retaining walls. This ‘one-stop’ approach ensures seamless integration, faster delivery, and clearer accountability for your project.
Absolutely. We specialise in vibration-free and low-noise techniques (such as CFA, SFA, and Helical piling) that protect adjacent structures and minimise disruption to neighbours, fully compliant with environmental standards.
Yes. We design and install Contiguous and Secant piled walls to retain earth and exclude water for basement excavations. These are engineered to withstand high lateral loads and integrate with the final structure.
We operate with strict adherence to Eurocode 7, BS EN standards, and NHBC requirements. We provide full design warranties, collateral warranties, and comprehensive Quality Assurance (QA) logs for every pile installed.
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