Outline

• definitions
• What Is Pile Foundation?
• The uses of pile Foundation
• The most common types of deep foundations
for building
What Is Pile Foundation?

• A pile foundation is a deep type of foundation.

• A pile foundation can be made using long, thin,
columnar elements.
• The pile foundation can be made using steel,
reinforced concrete and wood as a material.
• The depth of this type of pile foundation is three
times its width.
• The main components of the foundation are the
pile cap and the piles.
 Pile foundation
is defined as a series of columns inserted into
the ground to transmit loads to a lower level of
subsoil. A pile is a long cylinder made up of a
strong material, such as concrete. Piles are
pushed into the ground to act as a steady support
for structures built on top of them. Piles transfer
the loads from structures to hard strata, rocks, or
soil with high bearing capacity.
If the bearing capacity of the ground is low, then it is
advisable to take a deep foundation for the structure
of the building for the purpose of achieving a strong
bearing stratum for the foundation of the building
The most common types of deep foundations for
building are as follows,

• Pile foundations
• Cofferdams
• Cassions foundation
 The pile foundation has the
desired ability to transmit
loads of the structure to the
desired depth
The function of a pile is the same as the function of a
column. In which the load of the structure has the
ability to transmit from the upper level to the lower
level. But in the formation of the piles’ foundation,
the bulbs are provided at a lower level in the ground
so that there is no concern regarding buckling in the
pile foundation.
Installation of pile
foundations
Most piles are driven into the ground by means of
hammers or vibratory driversThe types of hammer
used for pile driving include
(a) the drop hammer,
(b) the single-acting air or steam hammer,
(c) the double-acting and differential air or steam
hammer,
(d) the diesel hammer.
Uses of Pile Foundations
Pile foundation is selected in
different following situations.
• The pile foundation is used when the load from the
building’s superstructure is very high, and its distribution
is uneven.
• Pile foundation is used when the bearing capacity of the
soil is low where high rise building is to be constructed.
• The problem arises for shallow foundations when the
groundwater is high in the ground of the site location for
the building.
• Pile foundations are used when it is difficult and non-
economical to pump water from a ditch frequently.
• The use of pile foundation is suitable when there is a big
fluctuation in the ground water level in the ground above
the site for building.
• The pile foundation is suitable to be used for
foundation of the building on the beach or in the river
area. Also where there is a risk of water impact in
abundance.
• The pile foundation can be selected when the soil on
the site for the building has an expansive nature.
• The pile foundation can be used as a foundation for
power transmission towers. Due to the height of this
type of tower, it can be used to resist lifting forces.
Types of Pile Foundations
(A). Types of pile foundations depending on the
function or uses

1. End Bearing Piles

In this type of pile, the lower end of the pile is lowered
into the ground up to the level of strong ground or rock.
The load of the structure of the building is transferred to a
stronger level by the bearing pile. This type of pile acts as
a column. This type of pile transfers the load of the
structure from a weak layer to a strong layer.
Fig -1-2
2. Friction Piles
In this type of pile, the load of the building is transferred to a
strong soil strata using skin friction along the length of the
piles.
This type of friction pile transfers the superstructure load of
the building to the ground using the force of friction resistan
between the surface of the pile and the adjacent ground.
These types of pile foundations are commonly known as
floating pile foundations.
the friction pile can be designed to the required length.
Fig 1-3
3. Compaction Piles

When the bearing capacity of the soil is low, the

pile is driven into the soil for the purpose of
increasing the bearing capacity. Piles drilled in this
way are known as compaction piles. This type of
compaction pile carries no load. So compaction
pile can be made from any lightweight materials.
4. Tension Piles
This type of tension pile is used to provide
stability to the building and to resist
hydrostatic pressure or the moment of
overturning. This type of pile foundation is
also called an uplift pile.
5. Anchor Piles

Anchor pile is used to transfer compressive

and tensile forces to bending moments on
the ground safely. Anchor pile is suitable
for offshore moorings, basements, and
tunnels etc.
6. Fender Piles
Fender piles are typically used
to protect coastal structures
from ships or other floating
objects.
7. Sheet Piles
This type of pile is used as bulkheads
or as an impermeable cutoff for
hydraulic structures to reduce
seepage.This type of pile is used as
retaining wall support for docks,
wharves, and other marine
structures.
(B). Types of pile foundations
depending on material and
composition
● Steel piles
● Concrete piles
● Timber piles
● Composite Piles
 Steel piles

Disadvantages
● Relatively costly
● High level of noise during pile driving .
● Subject to corrosion
● H-piles may be damaged or deflected from
the vertical during driving through hard
layers or past major obstructions
The timber pile is placed at a strong
level below the water level. This
type of pile foundation lasts for
about 30 years.
When located above the water table
, the piles are subject to attack by
insects .
Thank you
Reference
Das , B.M . ( 1990 ). Priciples of foundation Engineering . 4th edition plus publishing CO . , Boston .

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