Bearing the Load: The Science of Concrete Pile Foundations

The use of pile foundations is not a new concept in construction. It has been in use for decades across the globe but was eventually introduced by European countries. It is a thoughtful, innovative, and useful technique in construction that primarily functions as a load bearer of the construction.

These days, the use of concrete for pile foundations has increased significantly. In this blog, we will discuss the science of concrete pile foundation load-bearing.

About pile foundation

Before we discuss the role of concrete pile foundations and their essential types, let's understand what is pile foundations in construction first. A pile foundation is a thick and long element in construction which is primarily made of steel or reinforced concrete. The main function of a pile foundation is to transfer load by using weak and compressible above less compressible and compact materials such as rock or stiffer soil at a deeper level. Ready mix concrete solutions for construction projects like pile foundations therefore have become significantly popular as they offer higher durability and strength.

How does concrete pile foundation work?

As the primary work of pile foundations is to bear weight, concrete pile foundations are also developed in a way that can support load transfer using surface friction and load-bearing techniques. The use of eco-friendly ready-mix concrete helps to transfer the load of the structure efficiently with less environmental impact. The concrete material especially high-performance readymix concrete has higher durability and bonding strength in comparison to standard concrete material.

Therefore, the use of such concrete for pile foundation helps to transfer the load from the surface of a structure and distribute it evenly throughout the structure for enhanced load-bearing capacity.

Types of pile foundation

The use of concrete for pile foundation construction has become increasingly popular with ready-mix concrete solutions that offer higher durability and strength. Such pile foundation comes with various types that we will learn in detail-

• Load transfer The first and most important concrete pile foundation is the load transfer. This type of concrete pile foundation directly transfers the load from one point to another. This type is one of the most common and durable pile foundations.
• End bearing End bearing is also a popular concrete pile foundation type. In this pile foundation, the pile is extended to a rock or rock-like surface underneath with a reasonable depth. The load-bearing capacity of these piles solely depends on the underneath material as it stands on the material for support.
• Skin friction Lastly, skin friction or friction is also a vital type of concrete pile foundation that utilizes the friction between the components of the concrete and the external material where the concrete has been poured for the construction of the pile foundation. This is one of the most advanced forms of concrete pile foundation widely used for its weight-bearing capacity.

Conclusion The use of concrete for pile foundations in construction work has shown a significant increase in the past few years. And the primary reason behind this is the enhanced durability and strength of ready-mix concrete solutions. At Firstchoice Readymix, you can get RMC for Commercial Construction.