Foundations are the key to any architecture. It provides adequate support to the structure by transferring the loads from the structure to the soil. The important thing to consider is the fact that the layer at which the Foundation puts on the load should have adequate bearing capacity and appropriate settlement characteristics.

There are mainly two types of foundations: shallow foundations and deep foundations. Shallow foundations are effective when the soil has an adequate bearing capacity to take the loads put in by the structure. Whereas deep foundation is highly effective when the bearing capacity of the surface soil is not able to carry loads put in by the structure. In such a scenario, the loads need to be shifted at a deeper level where the soil can bear the excess load of the structure.

Source: http://houseunderconstruction.com

Select the type of foundation on the basis of the following criteria:

Soil conditions;
Cost;
Time-frame of the project;
Water level;
Total load from the superstructure;
Available resources;
Noise and vibrations sensitivity.

Now, that you have got a basic overview of the foundations it is time to divert our attention to the Pile Foundation. In the forthcoming sections of this write-up, we have provided comprehensive information pertaining to the pile foundation. We promise after reading this content piece you will have all your basics covered as far as pile foundation is concerned.

Let’s start with the definition of pile foundation.

Pile foundation, a type of deep foundation comes in the form of a slender column or long cylinder. It is made up of materials like steel or concrete which are employed to support the structure. It is then used to shift the load at the desired depth through skin fraction or end bearing. If a foundation has a depth which is more than thrice its breadth it is called “Pile”. These types of deep foundations are usually employed for large structures. They also come in handy where the soil at shallow depth is unsuitable to resist uplift or excessive settlement.

Now, that you have understood the definition of pile foundation, the next topic that needs to be looked at are the situations where the pile foundation system is highly recommended.

When to Use Pile Foundation?

When you find that the groundwater table is quite high;
When heavy and non uniform loads from the superstructure are employed;
It is not feasible to use other types of foundation either due to cost or non-feasibility;
When the soil at shallow depth is compressible;
When there is a possibility of cleaning, as a result of the location being near to river bed or seashore;
The presence of canal or deep drainage systems near the structure;
When it is not possible to conduct soil excavation at desired depth due to lack of good soil condition;
When it becomes impossible to keep the foundation trenches dry due to heavy inflow of seepage.

Types of pile foundation.

Pile foundation can be divided into several parts on the basis of function, materials, and installation process.

Let us look at each of them.

Based on Function or Use

End-Bearing Piles
Friction Piles
Tension or Uplift Piles
Compaction Piles
Anchor Piles
Fender Piles
Sheet Piles
Batter Piles
Laterally Loaded Piles

Based on Materials and Construction Method

Timber Piles
Concrete Piles
Steel Piles
Composite Piles

Based on Installation

Driven Piles
Cast in-situ Piles
Driven and cast-in-situ Piles

Let’s look at each of these types of pile foundation in details.

Classification of the pile on the basis of function or action

End-Bearing Piles

In this pile type, the load is shifted from the tip of the pile to an appropriate bearing spectrum.

Friction Piles

In this type of pile, the load is shifted from a deep level through skin fraction coupled with the surface area of the pile.

Tension or Uplift Piles

This type of pile foundation is highly effective when employed to uplift anchor structures as a result of hydrostatic pressure or overturning moment as a result of horizontal forces.

Compaction Piles

This type of pile foundation is quite effective when it comes to loosening granular soils to increase the bearing capacity of the soil. A sand pile is quite effective to serve this purpose as it does not require to carry any load.
Anchor Piles

These types of piles are recommended to provide anchorage to protect against the horizontal pull.

Sheet Piles

These types of piles are employed to uplift the hydraulic structures which come handy to reduce seepage.

Batter Piles

These types of piles are useful when it comes to avoiding horizontal and inclined forces that come in waterfront structures.

Laterally Loaded Piles

These types of piles are extremely useful when it comes to supporting walls, bridges, and dams. They are also effective when used as fenders in docks and harbours.

Types of Piles Based on Composition and Material

Timber Piles

These types of piles are highly effective when employed in completely dry condition or submerged condition.

Steel Piles

These types of piles come in the form of pipe piles, sheet piles, and H-piles.

Concrete Piles

These types of piles come in the form of precast or cast-in-situ. It has been observed that precast piles are reinforced by nature. While installation of cast-in-situ piles is done through pre-excavation. There are different types of cast-in-situ piles: MacArthur pile, Franki pile, and Raymond pile.

Composite Piles

These types of piles are highly effective when a certain section of the pile is immersed under water. It comes in the form of concrete and timber or concrete and steel.

Types of Piles on the Basis of Installation

Driven Piles

This type of pile is used by driving timber, concrete or steel piles into position by employing the pile-driving instrument.

Cast-in-situ Piles

These types of piles employ only concrete piles. While in usage, the piles are drilled and packed with concrete. It is possible to add reinforcements as per the requirements.

Driven and cast-in-situ Piles

This is the perfect amalgamation of driven and cast-in-situ piles. It employs casing or shell. One type of pile that is mostly used is Franki pile which is a part of driven and cast-in-situ piles.

Now, that you have looked at the different types of pile foundation let’s divert our attention to the advantages of pile foundation.

Possibility of precast according to specifications;
Can be pre-made into any shape, size, and length which reduces the overall completion time;
Gives a neat and clean presentation thus requiring minimal supervision and less storage space;
Can be employed in spaces where drilling of holes is not allowed thanks to its ability to borrow and find pressurized underground water tables.
Great option while working over water as it can be highly effective in wharf structures and piles in jetties.

Let’s now dig deep into pile foundation and answer some questions that you might have pertaining to this subject.

What is the need for pile foundation?

Pile foundations are in high demand when it comes to transferring the loads from superstructures from weak foundation to a more strong and less compressible stiffer soil. This way it withstands all the horizontal loads and enhances the effectiveness of the foundation.

What are the situations when the pile foundation is highly effective?

Pile foundations can be extremely effective when there is a weak soil layer at the surface. Reason? The layer will not be able to support the weight of the building. When loads of the buildings pass the pile foundations it is shifted to a stronger pile of rock that is just underneath the weak layer.

How deep should be the footings?

It has been observed that the depth of the footings should have a minimum depth of 12 inches below the past undisturbed soil. As far as the footings are concerned, they should be a minimum of 12 inches underneath the frost line or must be protected from frost. The width of the footings needs to be at least 12 inches.

What are the top three strongest foundations of the house?

The top three strongest foundations of the house are:

Slab Foundations
Crawlspace Foundations
Basement Foundations

What depth should be considered while building foundations?

If you are near bedrock or need reinforcement with steel it is important to dig deep foundations. Commence any type of foundation by digging footings that are a minimum of 2 feet wide and as deep as the frost line. There will be certain foundations that might need an additional width, some of a maximum 6 feet wide.

Final Words

We have provided a comprehensive overview of pile foundation in this write-up. After reading this write-up, we hope you will be able to understand the subject matter in hand more appropriately. Follow the guidelines given in this content piece and you will be in a far better position while implementing pile foundation for your building construction. We hope that the information furnished in this blog will guide to take the right decisions when it comes to constructing a building. So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing the tips given in this content piece. For more such interesting information, keep following our blogs.