When should pile foundations be used? This is a common question when planning new constructions. There are many factors that will affect the decision of choosing foundation piling for a new building, and in this blog, we go through some of the most important ones.
In many cases, a traditional shallow foundation may be sufficient as long as the ground is favourable and the weight to be supported is moderate. When the earth is not suitable for this form of foundation, however, piling may be a preferable option. The following are some of the most common reasons for choosing piling foundations.
Why is piling required for some projects?
If there are forces that affect the structure of a building these will also have an impact on its foundations. Using piling foundations aids in the resistance of any movements as well as the support of the vertical load of the building.
In general, pile foundations have the following primary purposes:
- Securely transmitting weight into the earth
- Helping to reduce settling
- Enhancing the safety of heavy load constructions and buildings
- Ensuring the security and dependability of the buildings above them
- Helping with consistent weight distribution.
What types of buildings do need piling?
There are some types of buildings that will often need piling. For example, transmission towers and off-shore platforms uplift forces are more prevalent, so pile foundations will be required for these constructions.
This is also the case when the structure is susceptible to seisms and strong winds, so in some areas with high seismic activity and places susceptible to worse weather conditions, piling might need to be considered.
In which situations are pilings required?
There are some locations where piling foundations are the sole option to meet all of the requirements. For example, pile foundations are always required in regions where constructions are huge and heavy, and the soil beneath them is fragile.
Piling is also the best option when the water table is high, or when water is affecting the stability of the soil on which you are going to build. In some cases, the site\’s sub-soil water table will be so high that the usage of alternative foundations will be severely hampered. In this case, pile foundations may easily pierce into the water until they reach a firm stratum.
Pile foundations are also required in places where there is a risk of soil erosion around the structure, as shallow foundations may not be able to withstand this. Additionally, when there are deep trench foundations from a prior structure, which can be very expensive to remove, piling might be the best solution.
How do I know if I need piling?
Ultimately, the need for piling foundations has to be determined by an expert such as a civil or structural engineer.
In general, if the grounds are unsuitable on the surface or if the foundation trenches that are currently in place are unstable, you might need piling. Depending on the load that needs to be supported, pile foundations might also need to be used.
How much do piling foundations cost?
The cost of piling will be determined by a variety of factors, including the type of piles used, the number and depth of the piles, the type of floor, etc. Because the price is always set on a case-by-case basis and must be evaluated according to the engineer\’s own specifications and demands, there are no standard costs for piled foundations.
Ultimately, the kind, size, and depth of piling intended, as well as the tools necessary to complete the project will largely determine the price of the piling. Therefore, it is very important to conduct a thorough site analysis before beginning so you can choose the proper piling type and avoid wasting money on failed projects.
If you would like to get an idea of how much your project is likely to cost, get in touch. Explore our other piling contractor services to see how we can help your project.