Uses of Pile Foundation

Pile foundation is a type of deep foundation. It transfers the load of the superstructure to the desired depth into the soil. Typically pile foundation is made of concrete and steel.

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.

Uses of Pile Foundation

There are different situations when a pile foundation is used. Followings are the main cases where pile foundation use is desirable.

• If a high groundwater table exists beneath the structure.
• If the superstructure load is high and non-uniform.
• Pile foundation is economic than other proposed foundation types.
• If highly compressible soil is present at shallow depth.
• If the structure is located near the river bed or sea shore etc, pile foundation is suggested to secure the structure form the possible scouring.
• If a canal or deep drainage systems pass near the structure, pile foundation is suggested.
• If soil condition is very poor and it is not possible to excavate the soil up to the desired depth.
• If it becomes impossible to keep the foundation trenches dry by any measure due to heavy inflow of seepage.