Introduction
The Full Rotary Casing Method, also known as the Buroto Method (BUROTO), is an advanced piling technique that uses steel casings for wall protection during drilling. This method ensures high-quality pile formation, eliminates slurry pollution, and is environmentally friendly while reducing the concrete filling coefficient. It effectively addresses common issues such as hole collapse, necking, and excessive concrete usage in urban high-fill areas and karst landscapes. Widely applied in bridge construction, buildings, and petrochemical projects, this method offers superior performance in challenging geological conditions.
Equipment Configuration for Full Rotary Casing Piles
Main Equipment & Components:
- Full Rotary Drilling Rig – For hole formation.
- Steel Casing – Provides wall protection.
- Power Station – Supplies energy to the rotary rig.
- Reaction Fork – Prevents machine displacement during rotation.
- Control Cabin – Operator platform for drilling control.
Auxiliary Equipment:
- Rotary Drill or Grab Bucket – For soil removal, rock penetration, and hole cleaning.
- Pipe Jacking Machine – Extracts casings for continuous workflow.
- Crawler Crane – Handles rig assembly, reaction fork support, rebar cage installation, and grab bucket operations.
- Excavator – Site leveling and debris removal.
Construction Process of Full Rotary Casing Piles
1. Site Preparation
The work area must be leveled to accommodate large drilling equipment. Adequate space is required for rebar cage fabrication, spoil removal, and concrete pouring.
2. Surveying & Marking
After verifying design coordinates, a total station is used for pile positioning. The center point is marked, and crosshairs are extended 1.5m outward for reference.
3. Rotary Rig Positioning
The rig’s base is aligned with the pile center, followed by host machine installation and reaction fork setup.
4. Steel Casing Installation
Once the rig is positioned, the steel casing is lowered into place.
5. Vertical Alignment Adjustment
During drilling, the casing is rotated and pressed downward while plumb bobs ensure vertical accuracy (adjustable to 1/1000 precision).
6. Drilling & Soil Extraction
As the casing advances, a grab bucket or rotary drill removes soil from inside the casing.
7. Rebar Cage Installation
After reaching the target depth, the hole is cleaned and inspected before placing the rebar cage.
8. Concrete Pouring & Casing Extraction
Concrete is poured, and once it reaches a sufficient height, the casing is extracted using a pipe jacking machine or rotary rig.
Advantages of Full Rotary Casing Method
✅ Adaptability – Effective in complex terrains (karst, high-fill, loose soils) with noise-free, vibration-free operation.
✅ Slurry-Free – Eliminates mud pollution, improving concrete-to-rebar bond strength and reducing sediment.
✅ Real-Time Geological Analysis – Enables clear identification of soil and rock layers during drilling.
✅ High Speed – Achieves up to 14m/h in standard soils.
✅ Deep Drilling Capability – Maximum depth of ~80m depending on soil conditions.
✅ Precision Verticality – Maintains 1/1000 vertical accuracy.
✅ Superior Hole Integrity – Minimizes collapse risk, with sediment clearance down to ~30mm.
✅ Reduced Concrete Waste – Standardized hole diameter lowers the filling coefficient, saving material costs.
Applications Beyond Piling
The Full Rotary Rig is also used for:
✔ Secant Pile Walls
✔ Subway Steel Column Installation
✔ Obstruction Removal & Pile Extraction
Conclusion
The Buroto Method is a high-efficiency, eco-friendly solution for challenging foundation projects. Its precision, speed, and adaptability make it ideal for urban construction, ensuring stable, high-quality piles with minimal environmental impact.
