30 - Pile Foundations

Abstract

Piles are used to transfer the load to deeper, more stable layers of soil. Large structures were built in Egypt, Asia, and Europe prior to the advent of piles. The first undisputed evidence of the use of piles is in the Arles circus arena built in France by Roman engineers. All piles can be categorized as displacement piles and nondisplacement piles. Timber piles are cheaper than steel or concrete piles. Engineers should consider possible future construction activities that could trigger lowering of the groundwater level. There are many forms of biological agents that attack timber piles. Timber is an organic substance, and nature will not let any organic substance go to waste. Timber piles need to be installed with special care. Timber piles are susceptible to brooming and damage. Splicing of timber piles should be avoided if possible. Closed end pipe piles are constructed by covering the bottom of the pile with a steel plate. The structural capacity of pipe piles is calculated based on concrete strength and steel strength. Pipe piles cost more than timber piles. One of the main advantages of pipe piles over timber piles is that they can be driven hard.