Piling – using vertical poles or columns referred to as ‘piles’ to support a building or structure – has such longstanding usage in human society that it predates history itself. In modern times, people have refined and evolved methods of piling to incorporate a wide variety of materials and methods. Modern piling methods have revolutionised deep foundation setting for all manner of construction projects. We use steel girders as piles for supersized industrial constructions and residential skyscrapers, we have concrete that can be precast and installed as normal or cast in-situ when the situation demands, and we have created huge vehicular pile drivers which use hydraulics or steam to drive piles far deeper than we could with our bare hands alone. Now we also have mini piling – sometimes referred to as micro piling – which employs the use of much smaller, lighter piles which are easier to manufacture, transport and install.
Human beings weren’t always so advanced in their methods of piling, but as archaeologists can now tell, we have engaged in the practice since before recorded history began. This is what we can learn from the prehistoric pile dwellings found scattered across the alps. Pile dwellings are, as you may imagine, homes and other structures supported on piles. The piling system used consisted of wooden columns which acted as stilts holding the structure above the ground.
There are 111 small prehistoric pile dwelling sites scattered around the European Alps, constructed as early as 5000 BC. 56 of these sites lie in Switzerland, with 19 in Italy, 18 in Germany, 11 in France, and 5 and 2 in Austria and Slovenia, respectively. These sites are remarkably well preserved, so much so that you can see the original wooden piles still stuck in the ground to this day! This exceptional level of preservation has allowed researchers to extract organic matter which gives a fascinating insight into the lives of these people and the eras they lived in.
The alpine prehistoric pile dwellings became a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site in 2011, so they are legally protected from damage or disruption. You can visit these sites yourself, to get a glimpse into the lives of humans that lived in these ancient settlements.
If you’re looking for a more modern solution for your deep foundation piling project, get in touch with Rhino Piling today! We have over 100 years’ collective experience on our team, and we start every job with a comprehensive on-site evaluation to ensure you get the bespoke service you need. Chat with us today about using our mini piling services to help prevent subsidence.
