Whether you are building a new home or a bridge, piling construction is the process of driving piles into the ground to create a solid foundation. This is especially important when constructing structures that are built on weak soil or other material, which can lead to the structure shifting or collapsing.
Piling has been around for centuries and continues to be a vital part of our modern-day infrastructure. It started as a way to fortify and strengthen swampy soil that could not support buildings or roads. It is now used in bridges, dams, highways and many other types of structures that require a strong base underneath them.
In most cases, piling is the best choice for projects that require a deep foundation. However, it is also possible to use other techniques for a strong foundation.
When selecting a piling method, engineers will need to consider factors like the type of soil and climate at the construction site. They will also need to consult with architects to determine how large the structure is expected to be.
A pile is a cylinder-shaped column that distributes weight across its entire surface. It can be made from wood, concrete or steel and is designed to transmit load to the earth’s surface through friction.
There are two main types of piling: sheet piles and bearing piles. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages.
Sheet piles are one of the most common forms of piling in use, and they have a long history of providing effective and sturdy foundations for a variety of structures. They can be installed using the traditional ‘pitch and drive’ method, or by more modern ‘panel driving’ methods.
The difference between the two driving methods is that the ‘pitch and drive’ method installs the piles one by one, while ‘panel driving’ drives a series of piles to the same depth. This technique allows more control of verticality than the ‘pitch and drive’ method, and is also less likely to cause forward leaning or out-of-tolerance piling in some types of soil.
Friction-bearing piles are another popular type of piling, and they are able to transmit loads directly through the hard soil layer to the surface. They are less invasive than end-bearing piles, and they can be used in virtually any kind of soil.
It is essential to select a suitable pile type for your project, and to make sure that the design of the pile matches the soil at the site. This will help to ensure that the pile can be accurately driven into the ground and will be able to carry all the loads it is meant to.
Choosing the Right Materials for Your Pile
The most popular piling material is wood, but there are other options available. They include metal and concrete, both of which can provide a sturdy foundation for a wide range of buildings and bridges.
Piling construction can be carried out on a wide range of terrains, including sandy soils, sand dunes and even clay. It is also possible to construct piles on land that has been flooded. This is a particularly useful technique for building on coastal areas where a strong base is critical to the survival of the project.
