As the most popular foundational application around, piles are utilised in both large and small scale projects in order to provide a structure with stability and longevity. After all, there are many things that can cause a building to move such as moisture changes in the soil, the general behaviour of certain soils and even the role of nearby trees. Piling is a type of deep foundation that reinforces the weight of a structure to the strong, more robust soil located deep within the earth. Read on as we go over the different materials that piles can be manufactured from and their individual benefits…
Wood
Although wooden piles offer the least amount of strength, they are still able to provide enough stability to hold up a small pier or a pedestrian bridge. In fact, they are a common feature in many historic buildings when technology wasn’t advanced enough to allow for the installation of both concrete and steel piles. Wooden piles, typically made from timber, are notoriously difficult to maintain however, as the material is susceptible to decay and may need to be repaired often.
Concrete
Weight bearing is an important characteristic of pile foundations as the completed structure must be able to support the load safely. As a result, projects like bridges, residential properties and some high-rise buildings are often built using concrete piles instead of wooden piles because they are stronger and more durable. There are actually two options when it comes to concrete piling that are both effective in their own right: precast concrete piles, which are made in advance and can reduce installation time, or cast-in-situ concrete piles, which are made on-site using a steel framework and tend to be a lot more costly overall.
Steel
The strongest and most expensive material that piles can be manufactured from is steel, however it is a necessary investment for many projects like skyscrapers or large commercial builds. After all, concrete piles just aren’t strong enough to bear the weight of such structures. There are many benefits to steel piling as the material is highly resistant to corrosion, incredibly durable and provides the longevity that is required for the completion of commercial projects.
The choice of material that piles are made from is often influenced by the project itself. After all, a pier may only need to be reinforced using wooden or concrete piles whereas a skyscraper will undoubtedly require the strength and rigidity of stainless steel piles instead. Here at Rhino Piling, we work on a case-by-case basis which means that we always take the individual needs of a client and their project into consideration. To find out which material may be suitable for your piling project, get in contact with the best piling Manchester has to offer today!
