Minimizes the seismic activity and ultimate noise of pounding into the rock layer
Load is transferred through problematic soils to bedrock
Calculation of the load is simple. No need to use a complicated load-bearing calculation that may or may not be accurate. 100% of the load is seated in bedrock
The piles are easy to handle and are available in multiple lengths
Can be drilled through dense layers. The lateral displacement of the soil during driving is low
The drilling process ensures the pier is seated in the rock
Can be driven in hard soil conditions and to greater depth
Higher load capacity
Faster and easier installation, and lower overall cost
Can be encased in concrete, if required
Greater design flexibility for the engineer. Many design options available
Less expensive than timber
Lifetime warranty
Limitations of Timber Piles
Salt-water corrosion limits life of piles
Pile Cap installation costs are greatly increased due to deep excavation requirements where sub-soil water level is very low
Low joint strength limits the depth of the timber piles
Lower load-bearing capacity
Timber piles must be cut off below the permanent ground water level to prevent decay. If the water table at a site is at a greater depth, extra cost of excavation needed to provide the pile cap may render the choice uneconomical
Increased safety concerns during installation in filled-in ground