Pile Foundation is the process of drilling foundations through the ground to provide more structural strength to soil, get the ground ready to carry heavy loads such as buildings, bridges, dams and other infrastructures). Piles are the long poles made up of steel & infused with concrete (Commonly called RMC) for the firming up of the piles. The shape, weight & circumference depend on the soil conditions. Therefore, custom designs are prepared by experts as per the project requirements. Pile foundations are primarily used in situations where the surface soil cannot support the weight of a structure or where additional stability is required

• Foundation Stability: It refers to the ability of the pile and surrounding soil to resist loads, settlements, and movements, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the supported structure. Ensuring foundation stability is critical for the safety, reliability, and durability of structures supported by piles.

• Load-Bearing Capacity: It refers to the maximum amount of weight or load that is structure or its components can support without experiencing failures or unacceptable deformation. This concept is crucial for the safety & Durability of any construction project. It helps engineers to decide how many piles are needed and how deep they should be driven. This is especially important in areas with soft or unstable soil, where the surface may not be able to support the weight of the structure.

• Soil Improvement: Soil Improvement: Soil improvement techniques are methods used to enhance the physical and engineering properties of soil, making it more suitable for construction and reducing potential issues like settlement, erosion, and instability. Some common soil improvement techniques

  1. COMPACTION:
     This method involves applying mechanical energy to soil to reduce air voids, thereby increasing its density and strength. Techniques include vibrating rollers, rammer compactors, and static plate compactors.

  2. GROUTING:
     Grouting involves injecting a cementations or chemical mixture into the soil to fill voids and bind soil particles together. It can improve strength and reduce permeability.

  3. SOIL STABILIZATION:
     This technique enhances soil properties using physical or chemical additives, such as lime, cement, or fly ash, to strengthen and stabilize soil, making it more effective for load-bearing purposes.

  4. VIBRO-SOIL TECHNIQUES:
     Methods like vibro-compaction or vibro-replacement involve using vibration to rearrange soil particles, increasing density and reducing settlement. They are often used for granular soils.

  5. DYNAMIC COMPACTION:
     Involves dropping heavy weights from a height to improve soil density. This technique is effective for loose soils and can significantly increase load-bearing capacity.

  6. EXCAVATION and REPLACEMENT:
     This method involves removing unsuitable soil layers and replacing them with more competent materials, such as gravel or engineered fill, to improve the load-bearing capacity.

TYPE OF PILES: Different pile types offer flexibility to address specific construction site conditions.

1. END-BEARING PILES are a type of deep foundation used to transfer loads from a structure to a deeper, more stable layer of soil or rock. It transfer the loads to a competent stratum such as rock or dense soil. At a depth below the unstable soil layers.

2. FRICTION PILES are a type of deep foundation that relies on the frictional resistance between the pile and the surrounding soil to transfer loads. Here are some key aspects of friction piles.

3. BORED CAST IN SITU involves drilling a borehole into the ground and then casting concrete in situ to form the pile.

4. DRIVEN PILES involves driving a pre-formed pile into the ground using a pile driver. Driven piles transfer loads to the surrounding soil through friction and end bearing.