3.2.

2 Geotechnical Context: Pile Foundations

One type of deep foundation is pile foundation, it is usually a slender column or sometimes long cylindrical
shape made out of materials such as concrete or steel that are used to support the structure above and
transfer the load at required depth either at end bearing or by skin friction. It is usually used for substantial
structures and in situations where the soil is at shallow depth and not acceptable or suitable to resist
unrestrained settlement, resist uplift and other actions that can cause the design of the structure to fail. Pile
foundations is the most common type of deep foundation that is used to carry structural loads into the
specific layers of firm soil in such a way that the layers of soil, clay or rock will support the loads. This type
of foundation is more expensive than the ordinary shallow foundation or deep foundation, and is typically
used where the site location is at surface that has poor bearing capacity.

Figure 3-5: Sample Image of Pile Foundations

Source: theconstructor.org
3.2.2.1 Trade-Off 1 – Timber Piles

Timber piles or wooden piles are the oldest of all the modern used piles in engineering practices. They are
usually precast displacement piles installed with proper design and analysis. The natural convergence of
piles shafts that allows to obtain a comparatively high pile load capacity. When properly design and applied,
they are considered to be practical, cost friendly, efficient and safe foundation solution for both temporary
and permanent structures. Transmitting of loads through timber piles takes place by the frictional resistance
of the ground surface and the pile surface. It is proven economical hit supporting light structures to be
located in compressive soils continuously saturated with water. They are made from timber obtain from
trees and may be circular or square in cross section.

Figure 3-6: Sample Image of Timber Piles

Source:goldpine.co.nz

Advantages Disadvantages

They are economical They have low bearing capacity.

They can be driven rapidly and as such there is They are liable to decay or deteriorate by sail
great saving in time in execution of piling work. water or insects.

On account of their elasticity timber piles can be Timber piles cannot be driven in filled up ground
recommended for sites where piles are likely to the without injury and as such they cannot be
subjected to unusual lateral forces. recommended for such sites.

Table 3-4: Advantages and Disadvantages of Timber Piles

3.2.2.2 Trade-Off 2 – Steel H Piles

Commonly used steel piles are pipe piles or rolled steel H section piles. The pipe piles or sometimes called
I-section or wide flange piles have either an open or closed end that is driven into the ground. The H-
sections are preferred more than I-sections because the thickness for both flange and wed are the same.
H-piles are as wide as they are in shallow depth, and have the same dimension for thickness in the flange
and web. In comparison to the standard beams, the design of H-pile beams provides better distribution of
weight over a large area that results in the ability to support heavy loads in larger structures. The H-pile
shape is significantly effective at carrying load through the pile to the tip. The tested individual piles can
carry more than 1,000 tons. And these piles are efficient in dense soils that offer resistance for bearing
capacity.

Figure 3-7: Sample Image of Steel H Piles

Source: thearchitecturedesigns.com

Advantages Disadvantages

The handling of H-piles is performed easily The piles will corrode.

The splicing process in H-piles can be performed

Will deviate relatively easy during driving.
easily.

The amount of unusual displacement caused

nearby area during the penetration of the H -piles Are relatively expensive.
are very small.
 Table 3-5: Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel H Piles
3.2.2.3 Trade-Off 3 – Precast Concrete Piles

Precast concrete piles are sometimes called or defined as reinforced concrete pile that is molded in
circular, square, rectangle or often octagonal form. The precast concrete piles are cast and cured in casting
yard and if the space in the location is available, pile can also be cast and cured near the site location. The
diameter of individual piles is normally varying from 35 cm to 65 cm and their length may varies from 45 in
to 30 m. the function of this piles is to resist the stresses produced of its handling, driving process and the
loading from the structure itself that the pile expected to carry. For longitudinal reinforcement, it is usually
consisting of one bar 20 mm to 50 mm diameter and for vertical rods are tied horizontally by bars 6 mm to
10 mm diameter. Circular piles are often tapered but when site circumstances become necessary, the
length is restricted to 12 m.

Figure 3-8: Sample Image of Precast Concrete Piles

Source: pinterest.ph

Advantages Disadvantages

The quality of the concrete can be checked before

Relatively difficult to cut.
driving.

Do not corrode or rot and are easy to splice- Displacement, heave, and disturbance of the soil
Relatively inexpensive. during driving.

Can be driven in long lengths. Can be carried

Can be damaged during driving. Replacement
above ground level, for example, through water for
piles may be required.
marine structures.
 Table 3-6: Advantages and Disadvantages of Precast Concrete Piles
Reference:
“What is Pile Foundation? Types of Pile Foundation”. Civil Engineering 2015. Retrieved from
https://civiltoday.com/geotechnical-engineering/foundation-engineering/deep-foundation/176-pile-
foundation-definition-types

“Pile foundations” Mohamed A. El-Reedy PhD, in Onshore Structural Design Calculations, 2017. Retrieved
from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/pile-foundations

“Timber Piles” AARSLEFF. Retrieved from https://www.aarsleff.com.pl/en/offer/technologie/pale-

prefabrykowane/timber-piles/

Pile Foundations. “Timber Piles”. The Construction Civil. Retrieved from

https://www.theconstructioncivil.org/timber-piles/

“Steel H-Piling”. 2019 Skyline Steel. Retrieved from https://www.nucorskyline.com/globalnav/products/h-

piles

“Steel Pile Foundations – Types, Design and Connections”. Neenu Arjun. Foundation Engineering,
Geotechnical Engineering, Pile Foundation. Retrieved from https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/steel-
pile-foundations-types-design-connections/21529/

“Precast Concrete Piles” Pile Foundations. The Construction Civil. Retrieved from
https://www.theconstructioncivil.org/precast-concrete-piles/