No building can last without a strong and stable foundation, and that's why the work that foundation contractors do is so important. As their name says, foundation contractors are construction professionals that focus on laying the foundations of buildings.
Depending on the conditions of the ground and soil at the worksite, there are many different types of foundations that can be used on a building construction project. For projects that require deep foundations, pile foundations are an option that many contractors recommend to their clients.
If you're looking to learn about pilings because you're considering this option for your building construction project or you just want to increase your knowledge of building foundations, you've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find out what pile foundations are and why they're a preferred choice for many new buildings.
What Are Pile Foundations?
All building foundations are either shallow or deep, depending on the depth that needs to be reached to lay the foundation of a building. Just as the names suggest, shallow foundations are installed near the surface of the ground while deep foundations require digging deeper below the surface.
Pile foundations are designed for projects that demand deep foundations. They are installed by inserting a series of timber, steel, or reinforced concrete columns deep into the ground to provide steady support for the structures to be built atop.
What Benefits And Drawbacks Should You Expect to See?
Like other types of building foundations, pile foundations have unique advantages and disadvantages, which should be carefully looked at to determine if piles should be used on certain projects.
Some notable advantages of pile foundations include:
- They come in a variety of materials, including timber, steel and concrete, allowing project owners to choose the best piles for their projects
- They are pre-produced, ensuring the foundations of new buildings are installed quickly
- They can be pre-engineered to meet the exact requirements of every project
On the downside, the piles:
- Cannot be used above the ground level
- Require heavy machines to install
When it comes to piling for construction projects, it's important to keep in mind that not all piles are created equal. Different types of piles are available to suit the requirements of different projects, so you should learn more about your options to determine which ones are right for your situation. You're welcome to contact a local piling contractor to ask them any questions you may have regarding foundation piles.
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