Difference Between Pier and Pile

Q: What Is Pile In Civil?

Pile, in building construction, a postlike foundation member used from prehistoric times. In modern civil engineering, piles of timber, steel, or concrete are driven into the ground to support a structure; bridge piers may be supported on groups of large-diameter piles.

Q: Pier vs Pile

Piles consist of vertical pillars made from concrete or steel. Piers are similar in size and shape. Piles are often used when the soil lacks firm strata, such as bedrock. Piles are usually meant for supporting greater loads, such as highway bridges.

Q: Pier and Pile

Pier foundation consists of cylindrical columns to support and transfer large superimposed loads to firm strata. Piles are driven through the overburden soils into the load-bearing strata. Piers are drilled with the drill machine.

Q: Difference Between Pier and Pile

Pier foundation consists of cylindrical columns to support and transfer large superimposed loads to firm strata. Piles are driven through the overburden soils into the load-bearing strata. Pile foundation is required to resist greater loads like a load of bridge or flyover.

Important Point

Introduction of Pier and Pile

The pile and the piers are two different types of deep foundations which are widely used in the construction. It is necessary that you should know the difference between a pile foundation and a pier foundation. In this article, you will get to know the difference between the Pier and Pile foundation.

What Is Pier?

A pier is basically a raised structure that is constructed to support a well-based foundation system. A Pier foundation is a large diameter of cylinder column which is used to support the superstructure load and transfer it to underneath soil strata. Pier foundation is generally constructed at a shallow depth.

Types of Pier Foundation

The types of pier foundation are as follows

Drilled caissons pier foundation.
Drilled concrete pier foundation.
Concrete in steel shell pier foundation.
Concrete and steel pier foundation.

Also, Read: Floating Slab Vs Monolithic Slab | What Is Monolithic Slab | What Is Floating Slab

What Is Pile?

Pile is basically a column that is inserted in underneath started to transmit the structural load to the lower level of the subsoil strata. A Pile foundation is a type of deep foundation in which the total loads are transferred to the underneath strata by means of the vertical member.

In the case of the pile foundations, the loads are transferred by means of the vertical member. The piles are made up of different materials such as timber, concrete, and steel.

Pile foundations are generally constructed at a greater depth. Pile foundations are used for the construction of Megastructures such as bridges and flyover.

Types of Pile Foundations

The types of pile foundations are as follows

End bearing piles foundation.
Compaction pile foundation.
Anchor pile foundation.
Friction pile foundation.
Dolphin and fender piles foundation.
Tension or uplift piles foundation.
Sheet and batter piles foundation.
Combined end bearing and friction piles foundation.

Also, Read: What Is Fire Escape Staircases | Types of Fire Escaping Stairs | What Is the Importance of Fire Escape in the Building | What Are the Fire Staircase Requirements

Pier	Pile
Pier foundation is a type of deep foundation that basically consists of a cylindrical column of large diameter.	A Pile foundation is a type of deep foundation in which the loads are transferred to a low level by means of vertical timber, steel, or concrete.
Pier foundation are adopted when there is firm bearing strata are available but at such a depth the construction of other types of foundation are not economical.	Pile foundations are adopted when there is no firm bearing strata of soil is available at its reasonable depth.
Pier is drilled with the help of a drill machine.	Piles are driven through the overburden soils into the load-bearing strata.
Pier foundation transfers the total load through the bearing only in the underneath strata.	Pile foundation transfer the load in the underneath starter through the friction as well as bearing.
Pier foundations are generally constructed on the shallower depth.	Pile foundation is generally constructed on the greater depths.
Pier foundations are constructed to resist the small intensity of loads.	Pile foundations are constructed to resist the greater intensity of load.
The types of pier foundations are masonry or concrete piers and drilled caissons.	The types of pile foundations are anchor piles, uplift piles, sheet and batter piles, friction piles, bearing piles, etc.
Piles are always below ground level.	Pier are always above the ground level.

Also, Read: H-Beam vs I-Beam | What Is H-Beam | What Is I-Beam

FAQ

What Is Pier?

A pier is a raised structure that rises above a body of water and usually juts out from its shore, typically supported by piles or pillars, and provides above-water access to offshore areas. Frequent pier uses include fishing, boat docking and access for both passengers and cargo, and oceanside recreation.

What Is Pile In Civil?

Pile, in building construction, a postlike foundation member used from prehistoric times. In modern civil engineering, piles of timber, steel, or concrete are driven into the ground to support a structure; bridge piers may be supported on groups of large-diameter piles.

Pier vs Pile

Piles consist of vertical pillars made from concrete or steel. Piers are similar in size and shape. Piles are often used when the soil lacks firm strata, such as bedrock. Piles are usually meant for supporting greater loads, such as highway bridges.

Pier and Pile

Pier foundation consists of cylindrical columns to support and transfer large superimposed loads to firm strata. Piles are driven through the overburden soils into the load-bearing strata. Piers are drilled with the drill machine.