A pile is a column of concrete which is either cast or driven into the ground. It is used where the subsoil is poor or has an uncertain bearing capacity and in clay subsoils where ground movement can occur.

The piles support reinforced concrete beams, off which load-bearing walls are built, transferring the load above ground to the deep rock and soil layers below.

A short-bored pile is a pile with a shorter length and can be used for smaller buildings.

Benefits

• Reduce the number of excavation and reinstatement stages

• Quick and easy to install

• Less disruptive to surrounding ground

• Good load bearing capacity

Limitations

• Takes skilled labour to install properly which can increase costs compared to other methods

• Higher susceptibility to corrosion when their diameter is small

• Noise pollution caused by machinery during installation

• Can be disruptive to surrounding ground and buildings if not installed correctly

• More expensive than other methods