When surface soils are too weak to support a building, engineers use pile foundations to carry the load deep down to firmer ground.
What is a pile?
A pile is a long, slender column installed into the ground. Groups of piles are tied together with a pile cap that supports the structure above.
When are piles needed?
- Soft or filled soils near the surface
- Heavy loads from high-rise buildings
- Structures near water such as jetties and bridges
Types of piles
Bored cast-in-situ piles
Concreted in place after drilling; common for buildings in Dhaka.
Driven piles
Pre-cast piles hammered into the ground, useful for certain sites.
Quality matters
Pile load testing and integrity testing confirm that piles perform as designed.
Need deep foundation design? Contact Geotech & Structures Ltd.
