Difference Between Pile and Pier Foundation

Pile Foundation

In pile foundation, the loads are transferred by means of vertical timber, concrete, or steel.              

Piles are driven through the overburden soils into the load-bearing strata.            

Pile foundations transfer the load through friction (in case of friction piles) or through both friction and bearing (in case of combined end bearing and friction piles).

Pile foundations are of great depth.        

Pile Foundation exists where there are no firm strata at reachable depth and the loading is uneven.

The types of pile foundation are end-bearing piles, friction piles, compaction piles, anchor piles, tension or uplift piles, sheet, and batter piles, etc.

Pile foundation is required to resist greater loads like a load of bridge or flyover.

Pier Foundation

Pier foundation consists of cylindrical columns to support and transfer large, superimposed loads to firm strata.

Piers are drilled with the drill machine.

Pier foundations transfer load through bearing only.

Pier foundations are of shallow depth.

Pier foundation is used where top strata consist of decomposed rock, stiff clays.

The types of pier foundations are masonry or concrete piers and drilled caissons.

Pier foundations are required for small loading.

One Comment on “Difference Between Pile and Pier Foundation”

  1. Hello! The moment you informed us that we only need pier foundations to handle lightweight load, it kind of sparked my curiosity. My husband’s uncle has been wishing to add an additional feature at the back side of his beach side house prior to this summer. I’ll make sure he hires the right company for the construction process later.

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