Important Things to Know About Piling

What is Piling?

Piling has traditionally been used for large buildings to withstand heavy loads. Piling is the basis of construction, a type of deep foundation where vertical columns of concrete, steel or wood are driven deep into the soil to support the heavy structure of the building. Though piles were initially made from timber, they are now made of concrete or reinforced steel.

When is Piling Required?

Piling is important in building constructions to prevent potential ground movement and collapsing risks. There are several circumstances to determine the need for piling, such as:

• If underground services are included in your footprint, such as main drains or water drains, then piling will be required to prevent any damage.
• If there is a chance of tree root ingression that could affect the footings, then piling is an ideal solution.
• Piling is also required where the soil is weak and high-rise buildings need to be constructed.
• Piling is ideal for structures like towers or off-shore platforms. These require pile foundations as there is a greater chance of water table rising; it is also suitable for areas with a higher risk of soil erosion.
• If canal lines and drainage systems are near the construction site, piling may be needed.
• If the existing foundation is unstable, piling will be an ideal solution.
• After two meters, the ground is unsuitable, rendering piling an optimal choice.
• When the soil conditions are poor and soil excavation is impossible.
• Pile foundations are required where it’s impossible to keep the trenches dry.

What Are the Functions of Pile Foundation?

The primary functions of pile foundations in construction are listed below:

• It safely transfers the load to the ground.
• It helps in reducing the settlement.
• It enhances the safety, security and reliability of high-rise buildings.

Several Types of Piling

Engineers consider certain factors before opting for the right type of piling for a project; these include:

• Depth of excavation
• The position and angle of pile installation
• Environmental conditions

Here Are the Major Types of Pile Foundations:

End-Bearing Piles

Though its function remains the same, i.e. transferring the heavy load of the structure, the bottom of this pile is set on solid and robust rock or soil. Its columns cut through the soil’s weak layer, so the structure remains straight.

Friction Piles

This type of piling is cylindrical. The force of a building is easily transferred into the soil due to friction piles at full height. Its support is directly proportional to its length, meaning the greater the depth, the more a pile can hold weight.

Bored Piles

In this method, large holes are drilled into the ground. Then, a steel-reinforced cage is placed into holes, and mixed concrete is poured to achieve maximum strength. There are two common subtypes of bored piles:

• Rotary bored piling
• Continuous flight auger

Driven Piles

Much force is required to hammer these piles into the ground. This pile type is suitable for non-cohesive soils or soil containing many contaminants.

Screwed Piles

Screw piles are quickly installed into the ground with less disturbance and vibration. Steel piles made from hollow steel shafts with helices attached are screwed into the ground. This method is ideal for many soils, including those with liquefaction potential.

Timber Piles

Timber piling is the oldest method and has been used in construction for ages. These piles are installed either with a driving method or a vibration method. If they are correctly installed, they are an economical piling method and provide the safest foundation for both permanent and temporary structures.

Steel Piles

A steel pile is a fabricated or roll-shaped sheet pile. Construction workers install steel piles using vibration hammers that penetrate solid soil and rock easily. This piling method is incredibly beneficial and can bear up to 100 tons per pile.

Concrete Piles

Concrete piles are used to construct offshore projects like oil rigs, bridges or floating airports. They can easily withstand vertical structure loads.