Pile Foundation Definition, Types, its uses, Pros & Cons

Pile foundation is a profound foundation which can be made up of steel, concrete, and timber. Did you know that the pile length is nearly four times its width? Piles can usually be found in the deep interiors of the ground. The primary advantages of a pile foundation are: It helps in high load capacities and provides resistance from corrosion. In terms of disadvantages, you can say that the pile foundation consists of acids that can damage the concretes and might even result in salt water reactions.

In the forthcoming sections of this write-up, we have provided comprehensive information on the pile foundation. We promise after reading this content piece, you will be able to determine whether you need it in your future constructions. Let’s start with the uses of a pile foundation.

It is quite useful to transfer load from superstructures. In case there is soil on it, you cannot keep the building vaccinated on it. This is where the pile foundation comes in handy. It is usually cost-effective in comparison to other proposed methods. You can use it in case a high groundwater table exists under the structure. You can even employ it when the soil is very loose, and it is not advisable to dig the land to the requisite depth.

Now, that you have understood the uses of it, in the next section, we will concentrate on different types of pile foundation.

Comprehensive Guide on Pile Foundation

The pile foundation can be divided into three types.

1. Driven
2. Cast-in-situ
3. Driven and cast-in-situ

The question is, how to use piles? Let’s try and figure out an answer to this question. During the pile foundation, there is a lot of burdens put on the structure. Hence, it requires meticulous work on it. The very first thing that happens is engineers inspecting the soil to determine whether the pile can be driven comfortably in it or not. Every pile consists of the effect of land under it. The job of the engineers is to make a group of the pile and then cover it with the help of the pile cap. The pile cap is nothing but a thick cap made up of concrete, which keeps a check on the group of the pile. It literary works as a base. The entire load is then shifted this column of a cap.

Let’s now look at the way piles are constructed.

Cast-in-Place Piles

1. Hammering on thin wall steel in the ground.
2. The tube center gets rid of all the left-over soil.
3. Lessen the capability of steel in the tube.
4. Place a wet concrete pile into the tube.

Driven Piles

1. The pile is created at the first ground level. After this, it is hammered inside the ground.
2. The pile is put into the ground with the aid of a pile driver.
3. With the help of this machine, it is possible to keep piles vertically straight. Then you can hammer it straight into the ground.
4. Then you need to hammer it directly into the ground.
5. A continuous blow is used to insert the pile in the ground.
6. A steel cap is employed to cover the pile.
7. With the help of the cap, it is impossible for the pile to get scattered.

Let’s now divert our attention to the advantages and disadvantages of pile foundation.

Advantages of Pile Foundation

1. It is possible to pre-order the pile based on the specification;
2. According to the site use, the pile can be pre-made in its size when it comes to length and breadth;
3. Precast assists in reducing the completion time;
4. Useful to be installed in large areas;
5. Useful to be installed in long lengths;
6. Quite useful in places where it is not possible to drill and make holes;
7. Pile works in the cleanest and neatest manner.

Disadvantages of Pile Foundation

1. Easily can be damaged by driving through boulders and stones.
2. Prone to attacks from marine borers in salt water.
3. It cannot be above ground level.
4. Very difficult to gauge the requisite length in advance.
5. There are chances of vibration when piles are driving that can affect neighboring structures.
6. To drive the piles, heavy types of equipment are required.
7. It is not recommended to use a pile for low drainage.

 Now that you have seen the advantages and disadvantages of pile foundation, in the next section we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different types of piles.

There are mainly three types of piles:

1. Timber pile
2. Concrete Piles
3. Driven and cast-in-place concrete piles

Driven and cast-in-place concrete piles can further be divided into two types.

1. Bored and cast-in-place (non-displacement piles)
2. Steel piles (rolled steel section)

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of these pile foundations.

1. Timber Piles

Advantages

1. Very effortless to handle;
2. Cost-effective in comparison to others because timber is available in abundance;
3. It is quite easy to combine the sections, which ultimately results in quickly getting rid of the length of the exercise.

Disadvantages

1. Not found above the groundwater level;
2. Breaks down when driven by boulders and stones.

2. Concrete Piles

Advantages

1. Does not scrape;
2. Cost-effective when compared to others;
3. Inspection of concrete quality is done before driving;
4. It is possible to conduct the operation in long length;
5. Quickly moved above the ground level.

Disadvantages

1. Very difficult to cut when compared to others;
2. Prone to breaking while driving;
3. May require replacement pile;
4. The trouble with sound and vibrations on an occasional basis;
5. Not possible to drive with a large diameter.

3. Driven and Cast-in-Place Concrete Piles

Advantages

1. Effortless inspection of casting or can easily extend to the deprived length;
2. Cost-effective when compared to others;
3. Very low noise-level;
4. Very easy to adjust the length;

Disadvantages

1. Expensive;
2. Not possible to be driven where headroom is limited;
3. Results in pre-order concrete damage as a result of hard driving;
4. Displacement of close retaining walls.

4. Broad and Cast-in-Place (Non-Displacement Pile)

Advantages

1. Possible to put it with a large diameter;
2. Likely to put it with long length;
3. No risk to land;
4. Possible to insert it in low headroom conditions;

Disadvantages

1. Concrete cannot be found inside the idyllic condition;
2. Not possible to expand above ground levels;
3. The enlarged end cannot be made in harmless material without exclusive techniques;

5. Steel Piles (Rolled Steel Section)

Advantages

1. It is possible to cut the piles comfortably and handled as per your specific requirements;
2. Likely to have very hard driving with long length;
3. Easily carry a heavy load;
4. Successful placement of the anchor in sloping edges rock.

Disadvantages

1. Expensive when compared to other methods;
2. The pile will scrape;
3. Easily can be moved during driving.
   
   

Concluding Thoughts

Pile foundation is an essential part of architecture. In this write-up, we have provided a comprehensive overview of different aspects of pile foundation. We hope now you will be able to utilize a pile foundation in the best possible manner for your construction site. To read more such exciting write-ups on architecture, keep following architectures ideas, your ultimate knowledge bank providing the latest information on residential and commercial house plans and designs.