Pile, pier and caisson foundations are three different types of deep foundation used in construction. To choose between these three types of deep foundations a foundation engineer must know the differences between them. The main differences between pier, pile & caisson foundation are given below.
| Pier Foundation | Caisson | Pile Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Pier foundation is a type of deep foundation, which consists of a cylindrical column of large diameter to support and transfer large superimposed loads to firm strata below. | Caissons are watertight structures made up of wood, steel or reinforced concrete built above the ground level and then sunken into the ground. | Pile foundation is a type of deep foundation, in which the loads are taken to a low level by means of vertical timber, concrete or steel. |
| The types of pier foundations are masonry or concrete piers and drilled caissons. | The types of caissons are box, open, pneumatic, monolithic, floating, excavated etc. | The types of pile foundation are end-bearing piles, friction piles, compaction piles, anchor piles, tension or uplift piles, sheet and batter piles etc. |
| Pier is inserted down to the bedrock. | Caisson is putting a box into underwater and pouring it with concrete. | Pile is a column of material driven by a piledriver. |
| Pier has a footing. | Caisson doesn’t have a footing. | Pile doesn’t have a footing. |
| Pier is typically dug out and cast in place using forms. | Caissons are driven into surface condition. | Piles are driven into surface condition. |