Working with Construction Contractors

Foundation construction is important for the stability of a structure. Pile foundations are a type of deep foundation that transfers the load of a structure to layers of soil or rock. These foundations are preferred when the soil is too soft to support shallow foundations and usually have a greater load-bearing capacity.

Here are three piling foundation types commonly used in building construction.

Driven Pile Foundation

A driven pile foundation is one of the most commonly used types of pile foundations. These piles are formed by driving steel, concrete or timber piles into the ground using a pile driver or hammer. The driven piles are usually long and slender and are used to transfer loads from a structure down to a stable soil layer. They can be installed quickly with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.

However, like any other type of foundation, it is important to assess the soil conditions before installing a driven pile foundation. This type of foundation won't always work with silty soils since they can be too soft to support the weight of a structure.

Bored Pile Foundation

Bored piles are formed by drilling a deep hole into the ground and filling it with concrete. This type of pile foundation is most commonly used for bridges, large buildings and tower structures. The piles can be formed in various sizes and shapes depending on the structure's needs.

Bored pile foundations can be more expensive than driven piles since they require more specialized installation equipment. However, they are not too disruptive to the surrounding area and have a high load-bearing capacity.

Cast-In-Place Pile

Also known as a continuous flight auger pile, this is created using a rotating drill that digs into the ground and then withdraws to allow concrete to be poured in its place. The process is repeated until the desired depth is reached and can be used for various soil conditions.

Cast-in-place piles are usually cost-effective and have a good load-bearing capacity. But they may be difficult to install in tight spaces due to their size. These piles are also very durable and can provide greater support to structures with deep foundations.

Overall, these pile foundations are meant to suit various soil conditions and building requirements. The type of foundation chosen should depend on the size and weight of the structure, as well as local soil conditions. With careful analysis, it is possible to choose the most suitable pile foundation to ensure a safe and robust building.

For more information on piling foundations, contact a professional near you.