Foundations provide support to the structure and transfer the loads from the structure to the soil. However, the layer at which the foundation transfers the load shall have an adequate bearing capacity and suitable settlement characteristics. There are several types of foundations depending on various considerations such as

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• Total load from the superstructure.
• Soil conditions.
• Water level.
• Noise and vibrations sensitivity.
• Available resources.
• The time frame of the project.
• Cost.

Broadly speaking, foundations can be classified as shallow foundations and deep foundations. Shallow footings are usually used when the bearing capacity of the surface soil is adequate to carry the loads imposed by a structure. On the other hand, different types of deep foundations are usually used when the bearing capacity of the surface soil is not sufficient to carry the loads imposed by a structure. So, the loads have to be transferred to a deeper level where the soil layer has a higher bearing capacity. A pile foundation is one of the deep foundation types. There is a huge interest among foundation engineers in piling in civil engineering. In this article, we will discuss pile foundation details along with the pile foundation definition.

What is a Pile Foundation?

A Pile foundation, a kind of deep foundation, can be defined as a slender column or long cylinder made of materials such as concrete or steel, which are used to support the structure and transfer the load a desired depth either by end bearing or skin friction.

Pile foundations are deep foundations. They are formed by long, slender, columnar elements typically made from steel or reinforced concrete, or sometimes timber. A foundation is described as 'piled' when its depth is more than three times its breadth.

Foundation piles are usually used for large structures and in situations where the soil at shallow depth is not suitable to resist excessive settlement, resist uplift, etc. 

When to Use Pile Foundation

Often the question arises are the situations where pile foundation are suitable for. Following are the situations when using a pile foundation system can be beneficial. 

• When the groundwater table is high foundation pilings are the best solution. 
• Heavy and un-uniform loads from the superstructure are imposed.
• Other types of foundations are costlier or not feasible.
• When the soil at shallow depth is compressible.
• When there is the possibility of scouring, due to its location near the river bed or seashore, etc.
• When there is a canal or deep drainage system near the structure.
• When soil excavation is not possible up to the desired depth due to poor soil conditions.
• When it becomes impossible to keep the foundation trenches dry by pumping or by any other measure due to heavy inflow of seepage.

Whenever one of the above conditions occurs (where pile foundations are suitable for), the foundation engineer has to choose a foundation for the structure among different types of pile foundations.

Types of Pile Foundations

Piling foundations can be classified based on function, materials installation process, etc. The following are the types of pile foundations used in construction:

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1. Based on Function or Use
   1. Sheet Piles
   2. Load Bearing Piles
   3. End bearing Piles
   4. Friction Piles
   5. Soil Compactor Piles
2. Based on Materials and Construction Method
   1. Timber Piles
   2. Concrete Piles
   3. Steel Piles
   4. Composite Piles

The following diagram is representing different types of piles in construction discussed above.

These pile foundation types are briefly discussed below.

Classification of Pile Foundation Based on Function or Use

As we can see in the following diagram, there are five pile types based on the uses and functions of piling foundations.

Sheet Piles

Load Bearing Piles

This type of building pile foundation is mainly used to transfer the vertical loads from the structure to the soil. These load-bearing pile foundations transmit loads through the soil with poor supporting property onto a layer that is capable of bearing the load. Depending on the mechanism of load transfer from pile to the soil, load-bearing piles can be further classified as flowed.

End Bearing Piles

In this type of pile foundation, the loads pass through the lower tip of the pile. The bottom end of the end-bearing piles rests on a strong layer of soil or rock. Usually, the pile rests at a transition layer of a weak and strong slayer. As a result, the pile acts as a column and safely transfers the load to the strong layer.

The total capacity of end-bearing pile foundation can be calculated by multiplying the area of the tip of the pile and the bearing capacity at that particular depth of soil at which the pile rests. Considering a reasonable factor of safety, the diameter of the pile is calculated. 

Friction Pile

Soil Compactor Piles

Unlike other pile foundation types, this type of pile does not carry any direct loads. This type of pile is driven at placed closed intervals to increase the bearing capacity of soil by compacting.

Types of Piles Based on Materials and Pile Foundation Construction Method

Primarily piles can be classified into two parts. Displacement piles and Non-displacement or Replacement piles. Piles that cause the soil to be displaced vertically and radially as they are driven to the ground are known as Displacement piles. In the case of Replacement piles, the ground is bored and the soil is removed and then the resulting hole is either filled with concrete or a pre-cast concrete pile is inserted. On the basis of materials of pile foundation construction and their installation process, load-bearing piles can be classified as follows:

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1. Timber Piles
   1. Untreated
   2. Treated with Preservative
2. Concrete Piles
   1. Pre-cast Piles
   2. Cast-in-place Piles
3. Steel Piles
   1. I-Section Piles
   2. Hollow Piles
4. Composite Piles

Timber Piles

Concrete Piles

Steel Piles

pile foundation are suitable for