Paalfundering

Paalfundering, or pile foundation, is a type of building foundation that uses slender columns called piles to transfer loads from a structure to deeper, more stable soil layers or to bedrock. It is commonly used when surface soils are weak, prone to settlement, or when structures require substantial vertical or lateral capacity.

Piles may be end-bearing, gaining capacity from a hard layer at depth, or friction piles, relying on shaft skin friction with surrounding soil. They are installed by driving, boring, or jetting methods, and are connected by a pile cap that distributes the building’s loads to the individual piles. Materials include concrete (prestressed or cast-in-place), steel, and timber.

Design requires geotechnical investigation and load assessments. Pile capacity can be verified with static load tests or dynamic tests. Group effects, pile spacing, and potential scour or corrosion must be considered. Construction concerns include groundwater, noise, vibrations, and access to the site.

Paalfundering has ancient roots in timber piling and became a mature technology with the introduction of steel and reinforced concrete piles in the 19th and 20th centuries. It remains a standard solution for tall buildings, bridges, piers, and offshore structures on soft or unstable soils.

Related topics include pile foundations and geotechnical engineering.