DEEP FOUNDATIONS
1. Definitions
Deep foundations, as described in this chapter, cover
the following geotechnical structures:
- piles, including barrettes,
- micropiles.
A pile is defined as a structural element placed in the
ground to transfer loads and limit settlement. There is no
limit to its slenderness ratio.
Pile shafts can be of uniform cross-section, tapered or
with enlargements on the shaft or at the base.
2. Scope and Methodology
There are three main types of piles:
- displacement piles, as described in the construction
standard for special geotechnical works NF EN 12699,
- bored piles, as described in the construction standard
for special geotechnical works NF EN 1536,
2.1. Displacement piles
2.1.1. Principle
Displacement piles are installed by forced penetration.
This forced penetration includes the following installa-
tion techniques:
- impact or driving,
- vibration,
- jacking,
- screwing,
- a combination of these methods.
2.1.2. Prefabricated displacement piles
Prefabricated steel piles
Prefabricated steel piles may be:
- butt-welded tube sections,
- H sections, purpose designed as they have the same
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Piles can be installed either in isolation or in groups. They
can also be used to form a mixed retaining wall, conti-
guous pile wall, secant piles and composite walls, such as
soldier pile (Berlin-type) walls and similar.
Piles can also be used as the foundation for plunged
columns, integrated into the structure of the building
they support.
They may be inclined depending on the requirements of
the relevant codes.
- micropiles as described in the construction standard
for special geotechnical works NF EN 14199.
Piles have now been constructed with diameters of up to
5 to 6m and depths of over 100m, on land, over water
and/or offshore.
Displacement piles will mobilise the maximum point load
by compaction of soil under the pile toe if the toe is
closed or plugged.
There are two types of displacement piles:
- prefabricated in either steel, reinforced concrete,
prestressed concrete, wood, composite materials and/or
any combination of these materials,
- cast-in-place, usually in reinforced concrete.
web and flange thickness,
- box sections; made from the assembly of two