Introduction of Pier and Pile
The pile and the piers are two different types of deep foundations which are widely used in the construction.
It is necessary that you should know the difference between a pile foundation and a pier foundation. In this article, you will get to know the difference between the Pier and Pile foundation.
What Is Pier?
A pier is basically a raised structure that is constructed to support a well-based foundation system. A Pier foundation is a large diameter of cylinder column which is used to support the superstructure load and transfer it to underneath soil strata. Pier foundation is generally constructed at a shallow depth.
Types of Pier Foundation
The types of pier foundation are as follows
- Drilled caissons pier foundation.
- Drilled concrete pier foundation.
- Concrete in steel shell pier foundation.
- Concrete and steel pier foundation.
What Is Pile?
Pile is basically a column that is inserted in underneath started to transmit the structural load to the lower level of the subsoil strata. A Pile foundation is a type of deep foundation in which the total loads are transferred to the underneath strata by means of the vertical member.
In the case of the pile foundations, the loads are transferred by means of the vertical member. The piles are made up of different materials such as timber, concrete, and steel.
Pile foundations are generally constructed at a greater depth. Pile foundations are used for the construction of Megastructures such as bridges and flyover.
Types of Pile Foundations
The types of pile foundations are as follows
- End bearing piles foundation.
- Compaction pile foundation.
- Anchor pile foundation.
- Friction pile foundation.
- Dolphin and fender piles foundation.
- Tension or uplift piles foundation.
- Sheet and batter piles foundation.
- Combined end bearing and friction piles foundation.
Difference Between Pier and Pile
Pier |
Pile |
| Pier foundation is a type of deep foundation that basically consists of a cylindrical column of large diameter. | A Pile foundation is a type of deep foundation in which the loads are transferred to a low level by means of vertical timber, steel, or concrete. |
| Pier foundation are adopted when there is firm bearing strata are available but at such a depth the construction of other types of foundation are not economical. | Pile foundations are adopted when there is no firm bearing strata of soil is available at its reasonable depth. |
| Pier is drilled with the help of a drill machine. | Piles are driven through the overburden soils into the load-bearing strata. |
| Pier foundation transfers the total load through the bearing only in the underneath strata. | Pile foundation transfer the load in the underneath starter through the friction as well as bearing. |
| Pier foundations are generally constructed on the shallower depth. | Pile foundation is generally constructed on the greater depths. |
| Pier foundations are constructed to resist the small intensity of loads. | Pile foundations are constructed to resist the greater intensity of load. |
| The types of pier foundations are masonry or concrete piers and drilled caissons. | The types of pile foundations are anchor piles, uplift piles, sheet and batter piles, friction piles, bearing piles, etc. |
| Piles are always below ground level. | Pier are always above the ground level. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main difference between a pier and a pile foundation?
A pier foundation consists of a large cylindrical column that supports the superstructure load and transfers it to underlying soil strata at shallower depths. In contrast, a pile foundation utilizes vertical columns (piles) driven deep into the ground to transfer loads through friction or bearing capacity at greater depths where firm soil strata are lacking.
When should I choose a pier foundation over a pile foundation?
Pier foundations are suitable when there are firm bearing strata available at shallow depths where other types of foundations are not economically viable. Pile foundations, on the other hand, are preferred when there is no firm bearing strata available at reasonable depths and deeper soil layers are necessary to support heavy loads.
What materials are used in pier and pile foundations?
Pier foundations are typically constructed using materials like masonry, concrete, or drilled caissons. Piles can be made from various materials including timber, concrete, and steel, depending on the structural requirements and soil conditions.
How are pier and pile foundations constructed?
Pier foundations are usually drilled using specialized equipment to create cylindrical columns directly into the ground. Pile foundations involve driving or boring piles through overburden soils into load-bearing strata, either through hammering (driven piles) or drilling (bored piles).
What types of loads can pier and pile foundations support?
Pier foundations are designed to resist smaller intensity loads compared to pile foundations, which are engineered to withstand heavier loads typically found in megastructures such as bridges and tall buildings.
Are pier and pile foundations always below ground level?
Yes, piles are always installed below ground level to reach load-bearing strata, whereas piers are constructed above ground level to support structures directly.
What are the advantages of using pier foundations?
Pier foundations are advantageous in areas with firm shallow soil strata where excavation costs and time can be minimized. They are also suitable for supporting structures with lighter loads efficiently.
What are the advantages of using pile foundations?
Pile foundations are advantageous in areas where deep soil layers provide adequate support for heavy structures, allowing for efficient load transfer through friction or bearing capacities. They are essential for stabilizing structures in areas prone to soil instability or settling.
