The construction industry in the UAE is estimated to grow by 4.2% during 2022.
Civil engineering is an important industry worldwide, and the demand for workers is always increasing. To become a successful civil engineer you need to understand a lot. One of the many things you will need to know is the basics of heaps and how they are used.
So what is pile foundation in civil engineering? Read on to find out.
What Is Pile Foundation in Civil Engineering?
Pile foundations are very important to the world of civil engineering. These are deep foundations that support the structure and help distribute the load at depth through bearings or skin friction.
Pile foundations are usually long, slender columns. There is a range of types and materials available. The application determines which pile material and classification is most appropriate for a project.
They are ideal for large structures, especially where the subsoil is unsuitable for resisting elevation or excessive settlement.
When to Use Pile Foundations?
One of the many tasks of civil engineers is to know when pile foundations are necessary. Although they are not always necessary, they can be beneficial in many situations.
One of the main reasons for using a pile foundation is that the ground needs extra stability. This may occur if the soil is compressible or the soil condition is too poor for excavation.
Sometimes need has more to do with structure. If the load from the structure is not uniform, pile foundations will help keep it stable. Sometimes other types of foundations are too expensive or not feasible for a particular project.
Some other reasons to use a pile foundation include:
When groundwater is high.
When scouring may occur (due to near sea or river bank)
When there is a deep drainage system or canal nearby.
When too much water flow makes it difficult to keep trenches dry.
In these situations, pile foundations are often the best choice. It's important to remember that there are many different types, so understanding which one is best for the situation will help you make the right choice.
Types of Pile Foundations
When designing a pile foundation solution, there are many variables involved. The piles that are best for a project will depend on both the function as well as the material.
Classification based on application
This classification deals with pile foundation design. There are 5 main types available.
Sheet
Sheet piles offer good resistance to lateral pressure, so they are used when a lot of lateral support is required. Some common applications include:
Construction of retaining wall
Loosening of soil around trenches
Separating the foundation from the soil
Protection from erosion due to river banks
Confinement and bearing capacity of soil
They are ideal for things like trench lines, cofferdams, and shoreline protection. Note that they do not provide any vertical support.
Load bearing
They are suitable for transferring vertical loads from the structure to the ground. When the soil itself provides little support, it can help bear the load.
End effect
The bottom of the end effector sits on a layer of rock. A stack often rests on the transition between strong and weak layers. You can multiply the bearing capacity by the tip area to get the total capacity of the end bearing pile.
friction
Friction piles use the force of friction against the surrounding soil to transfer the load. They work with materials like sandy soil and clay. This frictional force may be applied over a portion or the entire length of the pile.
The capacity can be obtained by multiplying the protected friction force by the surface area of ​​the pile. With these piles, an adequate safety factor is required. Capacity can be increased by using larger pile diameters, using more piles, or roughening the surface.
Soil compactor
These are generally used at close intervals and provide support by compacting the soil. They are the only type of pile foundations that do not carry direct loads.
Classification Based on Materials and Construction Method
The material used for piles can determine factors such as load capacity as well as resistance to things like erosion and corrosion. The installation process is also a factor when deciding on materials.
wood
Wooden piles are generally used when they need to go below the water level. They can be circular or rectangular and can be between 12 and 16 inches in diameter. Their length is usually 20 times their width.
Wood piles are economical and easy to install. They are unlikely to deteriorate and last around 30 years. They are also easy to remove if needed.
Note that they are difficult to drive in hard soil and often need to be treated to ensure their durability. If you need small piles of wood, it can be difficult to find straight ones.
Concrete
Concrete piles are often reinforced with steel to make them more durable. They have good chemical resistance, and the quality of concrete piles is easy to control. Using concrete piles can also speed up the project if they are cast and ready to go on time.
Once concrete is placed, it is very difficult to replace it. They are also not standardized, so this can occasionally delay the start of a project. Installation can be more expensive than other types of piles, and damage is possible during this step.
Concrete piles can also be placed in place. This is where the soil is bored, and the concrete mix is ​​poured. This makes it easy to change lengths and prevents damage during installation. However, this requires more control, and requires more storage space on site for the necessary materials.
Steel
These are usually hollow pipe or I-beam sections. Diameters can range from 10 to 24 inches and are often 3/4 inch thick. This makes them easy to install, especially since they can easily penetrate hard soil.
They can also handle heavy loads. On the downside, they can deform and deflect while being driven. They are also one of the more expensive options.
Entering the World of Civil Engineering
You are no longer asking "What is a pile foundation in civil engineering?" But you may still have many questions. Becoming a civil engineer is not easy, but if you want to start or gain experience and want something new, SAA Group can help.
SSA Group is a leading Civil Engineer Recruitment Agency. We currently have many positions (such as Pile Foundation Jobs) in the UAE, which is becoming the most desirable place to live in the world. If you want to know more, click here to contact us today.