pålbjälklag

Pål bjälklag, sometimes translated as pile beam floor or pile girder floor, refers to a type of building foundation and floor structure commonly found in certain regions, particularly Scandinavia, where soil conditions may necessitate deep foundations. This construction method involves the use of piles driven into the ground to support a system of beams, which in turn form the base for the floor structure.

The primary function of the pålbjälklag is to transfer the building's load to a more stable soil layer located at a greater depth, bypassing weaker or unstable surface soils. The piles, typically made of wood, concrete, or steel, are driven vertically until they reach a load-bearing stratum. Once the piles are in place, a network of wooden or concrete beams, known as bjälkar, are laid across them. These beams are interconnected to create a rigid grid.

This grid of beams then serves as the support for the floor joists, which are laid perpendicular to the main beams. The floor joists subsequently support the flooring material, such as timber planks or a concrete slab. The space between the ground and the underside of the bjälklag often forms a crawl space, which can be used for ventilation and access to utilities. This method is particularly advantageous in areas with soft clay, peat, or high groundwater tables, where traditional slab-on-grade foundations would be impractical or unstable. The construction is generally less disruptive to the surrounding environment compared to some other deep foundation techniques.