Minimum Reinforcement Ratio in Piles

1. Introduction

Piles are structural elements made from various materials, including wood, steel sections, precast concrete, cast-in-place concrete, and composite materials.

The primary functions of piles include:

Load Transfer: Transmitting loads from the superstructure through weak, compressible strata to stiffer soils or rock.

Uplift Resistance: Counteracting uplift forces in tall structures or basements below the groundwater table.

Settlement Control: Reducing settlement in weak soil conditions.

Lateral Load Resistance: Providing stability in marine structures by resisting lateral forces from berthing ships and wave impacts.

2. Types of Piles Based on Function

Piles can be classified based on their functional behavior as follows:

End-Bearing Pile: Transfers most of its load to a firm bearing stratum at the tip.

Friction Pile: Derives resistance primarily from friction or adhesion along its length, commonly used when a suitable bearing stratum is too deep. Friction piles also resist tension forces.

Combined End-Bearing and Friction Pile: Utilizes both end-bearing and friction for load resistance.

Batter Pile: Driven at an angle to resist horizontal forces.

Micropile: A small-diameter pile used for strengthening foundations or working in constrained spaces.