What construction technique involves drilling holes into the ground and filling them with concrete instead of driving piles?

The construction technique that involves drilling holes into the ground and filling them with concrete is known as a caisson. This method is particularly useful in situations where driving piles may not be feasible or practical, such as in areas with restricted space, sensitive environments, or specific soil conditions. Caissons are typically oversized drilled shafts that provide strong support for structures like bridges or buildings, utilizing the weight of the concrete and the friction between the concrete and the surrounding soil to achieve stability and load-bearing capacity. By drilling and pouring concrete on-site, caissons can adapt to varying depths and soil types, which enhances their effectiveness compared to driven piles.

In contrast, blading refers to the process of leveling or grading land surfaces using machinery, which does not involve drilling or concrete filling. Compaction involves increasing the density of soil to improve its load-bearing capabilities, but it also does not involve the use of drilled and filled holes. Lastly, borrow pertains to the material that is excavated and transported from one location to another for use in construction projects, and is not related to the technique of drilling and filling holes with concrete.