Piles (Piling)

Piles (Piling) support weight loads either by bearing directly on rock or suitable soil or by developing friction along their very ample length. On unstable soils, piles are indispensable building supports and may also be used on stable ground when exceptionally large structural loads are involved. Piles are driven into the ground by pile drivers, machines consisting usually of a high frame with appliances for raising and dropping a pile hammer or for supporting and guiding a stream or air hammer.