Module 12
Why piles, and what kinds
The decision that comes before the calculation — and the one that costs most to get wrong.
What this module covers
- List the situations that genuinely call for piles rather than a shallow foundation
- Distinguish displacement from replacement piles and describe what installation does to the ground
- Explain why the same pile in the same soil has different capacity depending on how it was installed
- Choose a pile type against ground conditions, loads and site constraints
Lessons
- 12.1
When piles
Six reasons, only one of which is about strength.
Start lesson → - 12.2
Kinds of pile
Displacement or replacement — and why the ground can tell the difference.
Start lesson →
Module checkpoint
Check what you have taken in
2 questions
Question 1
Which is the most common reason that ordinary buildings end up on piles?
Question 2
A city-centre site is surrounded by sensitive Victorian buildings, with restricted headroom and a high water table. Which pile type is indicated?