What is pilling

The implementation of pile foundations involves the strategic insertion of vertical columns into the ground to provide reinforced support for a building's substructure. By transferring vertical and lateral loads to deeper, more stable geological formations, piling ensures long-term structural integrity. This method is particularly indispensable when traditional shallow foundations are deemed insufficient due to poor soil conditions, high water tables, or excessive compressibility of the upper soil horizons.

Types of pile?

Pile foundations are long, thin elements generally made of steel or reinforced concrete. They transfer the load through weak, compressible material onto more compact, less compressible stiffer soil or rock at greater depth. The deep insertion of these elements ensures a sturdy base on which the construction project can take place.

It’s important to note that the pile foundation and pile are two different things, yet they work in conjunction to ensure that piling can support strong loads. A pile foundation is typically defined as the series of columns that act as the base for structures, whereas the pile itself is the column or cylinder that aids in transferring the load to the lower subsoil.

The classification of deep foundations

The classification of deep foundations primarily distinguishes between end-bearing and friction piles, based on their method of load transfer.

• End-Bearing Piles: These elements function essentially as columns, transmitting the majority of the superstructure’s load through the shaft directly onto a high-capacity stratum, such as bedrock or exceptionally dense gravel. The load-bearing capacity is derived almost exclusively from the resistance of the pile tip (toe) against the hard layer.
• Friction Piles: In contrast, friction piles (or "floating piles") dissipate structural loads into the surrounding soil through skin friction along the entire vertical surface area of the pile. This mechanism relies on the shear strength developed between the pile material and the soil, making them effective in deep layers of cohesive or granular soils where a solid rock layer is unreachable.

Types of pile foundation

There are many different types of pile foundations and several subcategories. Each type of pile foundation is designed to meet specific ground conditions, load requirements and project needs. 

The main types of pile foundations include:

• Driven piles
• Bored piles
• Rotary bored piling
• Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piles
• Driven and cast-in-situ piles
• Aggregate piles
• Sheet piles
• Timber piles