Moreover, it is reported that the cost of eight-meter-long pile in combination with its cap and capping beams is greater than the construction cost of 4.5m depth column bases employing mass concrete up to the ground level. Therefore, the cost of excavation and concrete of pile caps and capping beams combined with the cost of piling, its design and supervision would be a discouraging factor regarding the selection of pile foundation. Not only does the pile foundation needs structural design but also required higher degree of supervision as the construction is progressed.įig.5: Excavated Region for Pile Cap Construction It is claimed that, the excavation cost of pile cap, capping beams and tie beams could be two times the cost of machine excavation in moderately large column bases. Pile caps may be joined together using tie beams in more than one direction. Plan dimensions of piling cap can reach up to 2100mm 2 for pile with diameter of 550mm. Pile foundation needs a cap which its thickness is around 45cm for two piles and 60cm to 120cm for two pair of piles. Obviously, final decision on using the type of foundation cannot be made based on the estimation of excavation volume and concrete quantity of deep mat or strip foundation in comparison with cost of piles that support the same load. Factors that affect the cost of foundation would be discussed as well.įig.1: Pile Foundation Transfer Imposed Load to a Soil Factors Affecting Cost of Pile Foundation This condition line is created based on the moderately detailed cost evaluation of the foundation. So, this article will try to draw the differences by which the selection of pile foundation over other foundation types can be decided easily.
Especially in the case of selection of pile foundation and conventional mat or strip foundation constructed in a deeper level to meet a soil layer with acceptable bearing capacity.Īll construction conditions need to have an indicator below which the application of pile foundation prove to be cheaper compared to conventional strip and mat foundations.
other foundations for construction projects and factors affecting pile foundation cost is discussed.įrequently, structural designer cannot reach concrete decision about whether to choose pile foundation or ordinary strip or mat foundation for the structure. ? Reading time: 1 minuteSelection of pile foundations based on cost vs.