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Types of Piles Used in Building Construction
The main types of piles used in building construction are bored (cast-in-situ) piles, continuous flight auger (CFA) piles, and driven piles, which may be precast concrete or steel. They differ in how they are installed, how much noise and vibration they produce, and which ground conditions they suit. The best choice depends on soil data, loads, site access, and the surroundings.
Key takeaways
- Piles can be classified by installation method, material, and load-carrying behaviour.
- Bored and CFA piles are cast in place; driven piles are made first, then installed.
- CFA suits many urban, soft-ground projects; bored piles suit heavy loads and large diameters; driven piles suit marine and open sites.
- Each type has limits, so selection should follow the soil investigation.
Classification by installation method
1. Bored piles (cast-in-situ)
A hole is drilled, sometimes supported by casing, drilling fluid, or both. A reinforcement cage is lowered in and the hole is filled with concrete.
Best for: heavy loads, large diameters, deep piles, and variable ground. Considerations: needs good control of the borehole, cleaning, and concrete placement; spoil handling is required; groundwater needs managing.
2. CFA piles (continuous flight auger)
A hollow-stem auger is screwed into the ground. Concrete is pumped through the stem as the auger is withdrawn, and a reinforcement cage is then placed in the fresh concrete.
Best for: urban and restricted sites, soft ground, quicker production. Considerations: limited by auger and rig capacity for diameter and depth; relies on careful monitoring of concrete volume and withdrawal rate.
3. Driven piles
Pre-made piles are hammered, vibrated, or pushed into the ground.
Best for: marine works, industrial sites, open areas, and ground where driving is practical. Considerations: noise and vibration, handling and transport of long piles, and the risk of damage during driving.
Classification by material
Reinforced concrete: cast-in-situ or precast; widely used and durable. Steel: H-piles, tubular piles, and sheet piles; strong, easy to splice, useful in marine and heavy-load applications; corrosion protection may be needed. Timber: rarely used in modern commercial construction and sensitive to decay. Composite: combinations such as steel casing filled with concrete.
Classification by load behaviour
End-bearing piles: carry load mainly through the tip resting on a firm layer. Friction piles: carry load mainly through shaft resistance along the soil contact. Combined: most real piles use both.
(See the dedicated article: End-Bearing Piles vs Friction Piles.)
Other pile types you may meet
- Displacement piles: push soil aside (many driven piles)
- Non-displacement piles: remove soil as they go (bored piles)
- Sheet piles: interlocking steel or concrete sections used for retaining walls, cofferdams, and waterfront structures
- Micropiles: small-diameter, high-capacity piles used in restricted access or underpinning
- Screw piles: steel piles with helical plates, installed by rotation
Quick comparison
| Installed by | Noise/vibration | Typical strength | Common use | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bored | Drilling then concreting | Moderate to low | Very high capacity possible | High-rise, heavy loads |
| CFA | Auger and pumped concrete | Low to moderate | Medium to high | Urban, soft ground |
| Driven precast | Hammering or pushing | High | Medium to high | Marine, industrial |
| Driven steel | Hammering or vibrating | High | High | Marine, heavy loads |
How to choose the right pile type
Consider these factors together:
- Soil profile and groundwater
- Required pile capacity and length
- Site access and working space
- Noise and vibration limits near neighbours
- Programme and cost
- Quality control and testing needs
- Availability of equipment and skilled crews
Selection should be done by your structural and geotechnical engineers with input from an experienced piling contractor.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three main types of piles? +
Which pile type is best for Lagos? +
Are precast piles stronger than cast-in-place piles? +
Which pile type is quietest? +
Related reading
- What Is CFA Piling?
- What Is Bored Piling?
- What Are Driven Piles?
- End-Bearing Piles vs Friction Piles
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