Types of piles

There are at least 100 types of piles in the literature. There are four usual and distinct types of piles available for foundations: timber, precast concrete, bored and steel piles, which are sometimes combined to form composite piles. Advantages and disadvantages of different pile types are discussed. Suitability of different types of pile foundation according to different soil conditions are provided to assist practising engineers in the selection of pile type for their projects.