What is Pile Foundation?

Pile foundation, a kind of deep foundation, is actually 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 at 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.

When to Use Pile Foundation

Following are the situations when using a pile foundation system can be
•When the groundwater table is high.
•Heavy and un-uniform loads from superstructure are imposed.
•Other types of foundation 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 systems near the structure.
•When soil excavation is not possible up to the desired depth due to poor soil condition.
•When it becomes impossible to keep the foundation trenches dry by pumping or by any other measure due to
heavy inflow of seepage.
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Types of Pile Foundation

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Classification of Pile Foundation
Based on Function or Use

End bearing piles Friction piles

Sheet piles Load bearing piles Soil compactor piles 3

Sheet piles

Sheet piles are sections of sheet materials with

interlocking edges that are driven into
the ground to
provide earth retention and excavation 
support. Sheet piles are most commonly made
of steel, but can also be formed
of timber or reinforced concrete Sheet
piles are commonly used for retaining
walls, land reclamation, underground
Steel piles
structures such as car parks and basements, in
marine location for riverbank protection, sea
wells, cofferdams, and so on . The selection
of sheet piling is dependent on factors, such as:
The type of work, for example. whether it is
permanent or temporary.
site conditions.
•The required depth of piles.
•The bending moments involved
•The nature of the structure.
•The type of protection required

Timber piles Reinforced concrete piles

Sheet piles installation

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