What is Pile foundation? Explain in detail

Pile Foundation: Pile Foundation is the type of Deep Foundation. This type of foundation is used in the construction where the bearing capacity of soil, in which the construction is going to be, is very poor.

Pile is defined as the structural member, which can be of concrete member, steel member or wood / timber member, driven into the deep soil by excavating a hole.

Pile Foundation takes load from the structure to a low level inside the soil by means of vertical members may be of steel, concrete or timber.

Necessity of pile foundation:

• Pile Foundation is required to minimise the differential settlement i.e. for the transmission of structure loads to a stable stratum.

• Pile Foundation are used to resist the horizontal forces due to earthquakes and wind in the tall and heavy structures.

• Piles are required when the soil conditions are washout, shallow foundation is not possible there.

Uses of Pile Foundation:

• Pile Foundations are used when the super structure is very heavy and its load distribution is uneven.

• These foundations are used when the top soil has poor bearing capacity.

• Pile foundations are mostly used for the transmission of towers and off – shore structures where the uplift forces are more.

• Pile foundations are also used when the subsoil water is high so that pumping of water may happen.

• These foundations are also used when the drainage system line exist near the foundation.

Factors affecting the choice of pile:

There are mainly four factors on which the pile is chosen, these are;

• Location and type of structure

• Soil conditions

• Durability

• Cost

Classification of pile foundation:

Pile foundation can be classified on many different basis;

• Based on function

• Based on materials

• Based on method of installation

On the basis of its function, piles can be classified as:

• End bearing pile

• Friction pile

• Compaction pile

• Tension pile

On the basis of materials used in pile, pile can be classified as:

• Concrete pile

• Steel piles

• Timber piles

On the basis of method of installation, pile can be classified as:

• Driven pile

• Driven and cast in – situ pile

• Bore and cast in – site pile

• Jacked pile

• Screw pile