Pile Installation Methods

Piles are an essential part of the construction industry. They’re used to provide much needed support to both permanent and temporary installations, including buildings, bridges and industrial structures. Because of their usefulness and ease of use, piles have become a fairly common sight both within and outside of the construction industry.

There are various different types of piles, each of which has been developed to suit a particular purpose. Whereas previously piles were limited to one of just a handful of material types, it’s now possible to construct piles out of a range of natural and man-made materials. To this day, however, piles tend to be made out of one of just three materials – timber, concrete or wood.

Why Do We Need Piling?

Piles are most commonly used to support and strengthen foundations. They function as both a lateral load support and as a type of supporting wall, being able to both reinforce ground soil and provide stability to the structure being erected. Because of this, piling is deemed a necessary component of modern construction.

How to Install Piles

Piles are installed using a number of different methods, each of which is selected according to need. The various factors which influence what type of pile you’ll need and the ways in which your piling can be installed might include:

• The depth of your excavation
• The material your piles are made of
• The angle at which your piles are being driven
• Environmental issues which may impact local residents, flora or fauna

Once your needs have been assessed, you will feel better able to decide which of the two most common pile installation methods you will use for your project: displacement or replacement. Displacement piling installation refers to the method of driving piles into the ground without first removing any of the soil or other material. Replacement piling installation refers to the method of first digging out a hole, into which the pile is then manoeuvered. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pile Installation Methods

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages – for example, displacement piling is best used for projects where there are concerns about potential disturbance levels. On the other hand, displacement piling is not able to penetrate obstructions and is therefore unsuitable for rocky or otherwise problematic terrain. Replacement piling, however, is much more appropriate for installation in difficult ground, but does cause an elevated amount of disturbance to the surrounding environment both during and after the pile installation is complete. Your choice as to which method will be most appropriate for your construction project should be based on a thorough assessment, not just of the type of soil and environment you are working in and with, but also of the particular demands of your construction project.