What is timber pile?
A timber pile is a type of foundation system used in construction to support structures, such as buildings, bridges or
piers. It consists of wooden beams or poles that are driven into the ground to provide structural support. Timber piles
have been used for centuries and are still used today in many parts of the world due to their reliability, ease of
installation, and cost-effectiveness. They can be made from a variety of wood species, including pine, fir, and cedar,
and can be treated with preservatives to increase their durability and resistance to decay.
Why do we use timber piles?
Timber piles are used for several reasons, including:
1. Cost-effectiveness: Timber piles are generally less expensive than other types of foundation systems such as
concrete or steel piles.
2. Availability: Timber is a renewable resource and is readily available in many parts of the world.
3. Ease of installation: Timber piles can be easily cut to size and driven into the ground using standard
equipment.
4. Flexibility: Timber piles can be used in a variety of soil and water conditions, including areas with high water
tables or soft soils.
5. Environmental benefits: Unlike concrete or steel piles, timber piles have a smaller carbon footprint and are
biodegradable, which may make them a more sustainable option for some projects.
6. Resilience: Timber piles have been shown to perform well in seismic events, making them a popular choice in
earthquake-prone regions.
Overall, timber piles are a reliable and cost-effective foundation system that is suitable for a wide range of construction
projects.
Operations of timber pile:
The operation of timber piles involves the following steps:
1. Preparation: The site is prepared for pile installation by clearing and leveling the ground where the piles will
be driven.
2. Pile selection: Timber piles are selected based on their strength, durability, and length required to support
the structure.
3. Driving the pile: The pile is driven into the ground using a pile driver or a hydraulic hammer until it reaches a
stable soil layer or rock. The driving process causes the pile to compact the soil around it, increasing its loadbearing capacity.
4. Cut off: Once the pile is driven to the required depth, it is cut off at the desired height using a saw or chainsaw.
5. Cap installation: A cap or beam is installed on top of the pile to transfer the load from the structure to the
pile.
6. Testing: The piles are tested to ensure they can support the anticipated loads and meet the required
specifications.
7. Backfilling: The area around the piles is backfilled with soil to provide additional support and stability to the
foundation system.
Timber piles can be an effective and cost-efficient foundation solution for a variety of construction projects, provided
they are installed correctly and maintained properly over time.
Types of timber pile:
There are several types of timber piles that can be used in construction projects, including:
1. Tree trunks: The earliest form of timber pile, consisting of whole trees or logs that are driven into the ground.
2. Sawn timber piles: These piles are made by sawing tree trunks into square or rectangular sections and then
driving them into the ground.
3. Glue-laminated timber piles: These piles are made by gluing together multiple layers of timber to create a
stronger and more durable pile.
4. Composite piles: These piles are made by combining timber with other materials such as concrete, steel, or
fiberglass to improve their strength and durability.
5. Pressure-treated timber piles: These piles are treated with preservatives to increase their resistance to decay,
insect infestation, and fungal growth.
6. Pilings made from recycled plastic: These pilings are made from recycled materials and offer an
environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional timber piles.
The type of timber pile used for a project will depend on factors such as soil conditions, load requirements,
environmental considerations, and budget constraints. It is important to select the appropriate type of pile for each
project to ensure that the foundation system provides adequate support and meets the required specifications.
Tools that are used to construct or setup timber pile:
The following tools and equipment are typically used to construct and set up timber piles:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Pile driver
Hammer
Chainsaw
Auger
Clamps or collars
Level
Safety gear
Surveying equipment
Backhoe or excavator
The specific tools and equipment required for each project will depend on the size and complexity of the job, as well
as the type of timber pile being used. It is important to use appropriate tools and follow proper safety procedures to
ensure that the pile driving operation is performed safely and efficiently.
Where is the timber pile normally used?
Timber piles are commonly used in construction projects where a stable foundation is required, particularly in areas
with soft or unstable soil conditions. They are often used in the following applications:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Wharves and piers.
Bridges
Buildings
Retaining walls
Power transmission lines
Boardwalks and walkways
Overall, timber piles are a versatile foundation system that can be used in a variety of applications where stability,
durability, and cost-effectiveness are important considerations.
Manpower needed for timber pile:
The manpower needed for a timber pile project will depend on the size and complexity of the job. Typically, a crew of
skilled workers is required to carry out the following tasks:
1. Pile driving: One or more workers are needed to operate the pile driver and drive the piles into the ground.
2. Timber cutting: A worker or team of workers is needed to cut the timber piles to the required length or shape
using a chainsaw or other cutting tool.
3. Equipment operation: Workers with experience in operating heavy machinery such as excavators or backhoes
may be required to clear and level the ground where the piles will be driven.
4. Quality control: A supervisor or inspector may be needed to ensure that the piles are installed correctly and
meet the required specifications.
5. Safety management: One or more workers may be needed to manage safety procedures and ensure that all
workers are wearing appropriate protective equipment.
The actual number of workers required for a timber pile project will vary depending on the size of the job, the
equipment used, and the level of expertise required for each task. It is important to have a skilled and experienced
workforce to ensure that the project is completed safely and efficiently, and that the foundation system provides
adequate support for the structure.
What is the mechanics of timber pile?
The mechanics of timber pile include the following principles:
1. Load transfer: The load from the structure is transferred to the pile through the pile cap or beam that is
installed on top of the piles.
2. Frictional resistance: The pile resists horizontal loads through frictional resistance between the pile and the
surrounding soil.
3. End bearing capacity: The pile also resists vertical loads through end bearing capacity, which is the ability of
the pile to bear weight by transmitting it into the more stable soil or rock layer beneath.
4. Pile spacing: The spacing between the piles is also an important factor in determining the load capacity of the
foundation system. The closer the piles are placed, the greater the load-bearing capacity of the foundation.
Overall, the mechanics of timber pile involves the transfer of the structural load from the structure to the pile, and
then to the surrounding soil through frictional resistance and end bearing capacity. It is important to design and install
the foundation system properly in order to ensure that it provides adequate support for the structure over its expected
lifespan.
What is the source of the timber for the timber pile?
The source of timber for timber piles can vary depending on the location and availability of wood resources. In many
cases, the timber used for piles is sourced from sustainably managed forests or plantations, where trees are grown
specifically for timber production. These forests may be owned by private companies, government agencies, or local
communities.
Common species of timber used for piles include pine, fir, spruce, cedar, and hemlock. The specific species selected
will depend on factors such as the soil and water conditions at the site, the load requirements of the structure, and
the availability and cost of different types of wood.
In some cases, recycled or salvaged timber may also be used for pile construction.
Regardless of the source of the timber, it is important to ensure that it is harvested and processed in a sustainable
manner, in accordance with local environmental regulations and best practices.
Approximate cost of timber pile:
The cost of timber piles in Bangladesh can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and depth of the piles,
the type and quality of the timber used, and the availability of labor and equipment. Other factors such as
transportation costs and any necessary permits or approvals may also affect the overall cost.
As an approximate estimation, the cost of installing timber piles in Bangladesh can range from BDT 300 to BDT 1,000
per linear foot, depending on the factors mentioned above. For example, a simple pile foundation for a small
residential building may cost between BDT 50,000 to BDT 150,000, while a larger commercial project with more
complex foundation requirements could cost several hundred thousand or even millions of BDT.
It is important to obtain accurate cost estimates from qualified contractors or engineers before beginning any pile
installation project in Bangladesh.
Internationally, the cost of timber piles can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and depth of
the piles, the type and quality of the timber used, the location of the project, and the availability of labor and
equipment.
For example, a simple pile foundation for a small residential building may cost between $3,000 to $10,000, while a
larger commercial project with more complex foundation requirements could cost tens or even hundreds of thousands
of dollars.
It is important to obtain accurate cost estimates from qualified contractors or engineers before beginning any pile
installation project. This can help to ensure that the project stays within budget and that the foundation system
provides adequate support for the structure over its expected lifespan.
Normal practice of timber pile:
Timber piles are commonly used in Bangladesh for foundation systems, particularly in areas with soft or unstable soil
conditions. The normal practice of timber pile installation in Bangladesh typically involves the following steps:
1. Site preparation: The site where the piles will be installed is cleared and leveled, and any necessary
excavation or backfilling is carried out.
2. Pile selection: Timber piles are selected based on their strength, durability, and length required to support
the structure. The piles may also be treated with preservatives to increase their resistance to decay or insect
infestation.
3. Pile driving: The piles are driven into the ground using a pile driver until they reach a stable soil layer or rock.
The driving process causes the piles to compact the soil around them and increase their load-bearing
capacity.
4. Cut off: Once the piles are driven to the required depth, they are cut off at the desired height using a saw or
chainsaw.
5. Cap installation: A cap or beam is installed on top of the piles to transfer the load from the structure to the
piles.
6. Testing: The piles are tested to ensure they can support the anticipated loads and meet the required
specifications.
7. Backfilling: The area around the piles is backfilled with soil to provide additional support and stability to the
foundation system.
It is important to design and install timber pile foundations properly in Bangladesh to ensure that they provide
adequate support for the structure over its expected lifespan. This includes selecting appropriate pile spacing, pile
lengths, and pile types for the specific project requirements, as well as ensuring proper pile driving techniques and
quality control measures are in place during construction.