Sectional Flight Auger (SFA) Piling

Sectional flight auger (SFA) piling is a bored soil replacement piling technique ideal for installation in areas where restricted access requires a smaller rig.

Why use sectional flight auger piling?

Our SFA piles in action

Our Dynamic Design-And-Build Piling Solution at Flax Place, Leeds
Residential

Our Dynamic Design-And-Build Piling Solution at Flax Place, Leeds

Our Dynamic Design-And-Build Piling Solution at Flax Place, Leeds

Green Piling provided a tailored piling solution to support the construction of two apartment blocks in Leeds city centre.

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Our Precast Foundations Driving Results at Cross Bank, Balby
Housing

Our Precast Foundations Driving Results at Cross Bank, Balby

Our Precast Foundations Driving Results at Cross Bank, Balby

Green Piling designed and delivered our tried-and-tested precast foundations to support the construction of 59 new build homes on the…

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Our Piling Expertise in Action at Ashington, Northumberland
Education

Our Piling Expertise in Action at Ashington, Northumberland

Our Piling Expertise in Action at Ashington, Northumberland

Utilising our proven piling expertise, Green Piling provided a comprehensive solution for multiple college buildings at the Ashington campus for…

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Our Foundation Stability Success at Birchwood Manor, Gateshead
Housing

Our Foundation Stability Success at Birchwood Manor, Gateshead

Our Foundation Stability Success at Birchwood Manor, Gateshead

Despite complex ground conditions, Green Piling delivered stability with an effective foundation solution to support 19 new homes.

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Green Piling installed piles for a new bridge – A876, Kincardine
Highways

Green Piling installed piles for a new bridge – A876, Kincardine

Green Piling installed piles for a new bridge – A876, Kincardine

Over 3 separate visits, 210 piles were developed by Green Piling.

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We developed Plots 18 & 19 in Forth Quarter – Edinburgh
Housing, Residential

We developed Plots 18 & 19 in Forth Quarter – Edinburgh

We developed Plots 18 & 19 in Forth Quarter – Edinburgh

Using high-quality, professional equipment we maintained pile stability for house plots in Scotland's capital city.

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SFA piling: the restricted access piling technique

Working in urban environments or confined spaces calls for a piling technique that fits the bill. Sectional auger piling is an excellent alternative for getting reliable results even in restricted access areas.

Restricted access

The auger sections can be transported and assembled on-site, allowing for piling operations in confined spaces or areas with limited headroom.

SFA is supplied in small sections, requiring a short mast on the piling rig. However, the number of sections added to the rig can exceed the depth CFA piling can achieve.

Smaller plant requirements typically mean smaller costs. SFA piling is often a more cost-effective option, especially for restricted access projects.

Advanced installation process

Our installation process uses modern rigs equipped with Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) instrumentation. This technology monitors key parameters such as pile depth, penetration rate, drill resistance, concreting pressure, and extraction rate, which allows for efficient control throughout the installation process.

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Quality assurance

Every SFA piling solution we deliver is tailored to your project’s specific needs. Our in-house team ensures each design and installation meets the highest standards for quality, safety and performance. Plus, all our rigs are equipped with onboard systems to monitor concrete depth in real time for high levels of accuracy and control on site.

As a leading provider of piling and ground beam solutions, safety is built into everything we do. Our team works to a safety-first culture, supported by industry accreditations and rigorous internal standards

We’re focused on reducing the environmental impact of every project. Our SFA piling methods are designed for low-noise, low-vibration performance, and we continuously seek ways to cut carbon, reduce waste, and support your long-term environmental goals.

Contact our estimating team for expert support on your next project

Other piling & foundation solutions

Green Piling offers a comprehensive range of piling services to meet the unique demands of your project.

Frequently asked questions about SFA piling

Can’t find the answer to your question? Get in Touch with our expert team.

Sectional flight auger piling is a form of replacement piling. Like continuous flight auger piles, they work by replacing the ground with a column of concrete to form the foundation. 

The main difference between CFA and SFA piling is that SFA piles are constructed with sectional augers (usually supplied in 1-2m lengths). The augers are incrementally introduced as the pile advances, providing more control over the depth of the piles.

We install SFA piles by drilling a hollow stemmed auger into the ground. We then inject concrete through the hollow stem as the auger is withdrawn, before inserting a reinforcement cage. During SFA piling installation, we can add and remove augers to achieve the required design depth.

With over 25 years of specialist experience, Green Piling is one of the UK’s most trusted providers of SFA piling. We offer a fully in-house service, from design and estimating to manufacturing and installation, giving you full visibility, consistent quality, and expert support at every stage. 

We invest in advanced piling rigs equipped with modern, computerised systems that monitor auger depth, rotation speed and penetration rate in real time. This ensures every pile is installed with precision, control and full compliance with industry standards.

Ready to build a solid foundation for your next project?

Get in Touch today to learn more about how our team can support.