Suppose you’re standing on the edge of a pier, watching the waves crash against the wooden beams that hold the structure up. What you may not realise is that those beams are actually timber piles, an incredibly durable and cost-effective solution for supporting waterfront structures.
Timber piling is a construction technique that uses treated wood to support buildings and other structures in wet or unstable soil conditions. These piles are driven into the ground using a pile driver, forming a strong foundation to carry a maximum load of 15 to 25 tons/pile that can withstand the test of time for about 30 years.
But timber piling isn’t just practical, it’s also environmentally friendly. Wood is a renewable resource that can be sustainably harvested and treated to resist decay and insect damage, making it an excellent choice for construction projects that prioritise sustainability.
Classifications of Timber Piling
Timber piles carry the structure load and distribute it into the ground. These must be high quality and free from defects to ensure optimal performance. These should have a uniform taper and be straight, with a clear path from the centre of the butt to the centre of the tip.
For your information, the pile’s overall quality is measured by the presence or absence of defects such as decay, splits, and twists in the wood grain, as well as the size of knots and holes. The lesser the number of defects timber piles have, the higher their reliability for construction.
In the “Timber Piles and Construction Timber” section, the ASCE Manual classifies timber piles into three categories based on their dimensions and wood quality: Class A Pile, Class B Pile, and Class C Pile.
| Class A Pile | Class B Pile | Class C Pile | |
| Minimum diameter | 14 inches | 12 inches – 13 inches | 12 inches |
| Usage | Used to support large unsupported lights and heavy loads. | Used to support medium loads. | Used for temporary structures. |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Timber Piling
Advantages
- Easy to install
- Cost-effective compared to other piling materials
- Environmentally-friendly
- Provides stability in wet and corrosive environments
- Suitable for impact absorption, being a resilient material
Disadvantages
- Vulnerability to rot, decay, and insect damage over time
- Limited load capacity compared to other materials
- Higher maintenance costs compared to other materials
- Limited availability of high-quality, sustainably-sourced timber
Applications of Timber Piling
While timber piling may seem like a small and unremarkable aspect of construction and industry, it plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and reliability of some of our world’s most important structures and spaces. The following are its common applications.
Construction Industry
The construction industry is responsible for some of the most awe-inspiring feats of engineering and design, from towering heavy structures or buildings to intricate bridges that span miles of waterways. But what many people may not realise is that the construction industry relies heavily on timber piling to support many of these structures.
Marine Industry
The marine industry is a hub of activity where timber piling is essential for building sturdy and reliable wharves, docks, and bulkheads that can withstand the constant battering of waves and tides. Without timber piling, these structures would risk collapsing or sustaining significant damage, which could have far-reaching consequences for the entire industry.
Ground Improvement
Timber piles are what we call “displacement piles” – they occupy space and help to compact and strengthen the surrounding soil. In areas where soil liquefaction is a concern, timber piles can be driven deep into the ground to reinforce and fortify the soil.
Their lightweight and compact design makes them an ideal choice for permanently improving soil conditions and mitigating concerns related to soil liquefaction or lateral spread.
Other Industries
Timber piling isn’t limited to these industries alone. Other sectors, such as tourism and recreation, also rely on timber piling for boardwalks and retaining walls that provide safe and stable access to natural environments while protecting against erosion and other environmental factors.
Design Considerations for Timber Piling
Load Capacity and Bearing Capacity
Load capacity and bearing capacity are crucial considerations when using timber piling for construction. The load capacity refers to the maximum amount of weight a pile can support, while the bearing capacity is the ability of the soil to support the pile and the structure it is holding up.
According to research, timber piles have a load capacity of up to 80 tons and a bearing capacity of up to 25 tons, making them a reliable choice for many construction projects.
Timber Preservation and Protection
To ensure that timber piles remain durable and long-lasting, proper preservation and protection are necessary. Timber preservation techniques include creosote oil or chemical treatments that protect against decay and insect damage, such as the use of chromate copper arsenate (CCA) or micronised copper quaternary (MCQ).
Without adequate preservation and protection, timber piles can become weakened and less effective over time, which could lead to costly repairs or even failure of the structure.
Length and Diameter of Piling
The length and diameter of the piling are also important factors to consider when using timber piling for construction. The length of the pile must be sufficient to reach a stable soil layer, while the diameter must be large enough to support the expected load.
According to the American Wood Council, the standard diameter of timber piles ranges from 8 to 14 inches, while the length can vary from 20 to 120 feet.
Soil and Water Conditions
Soil and water conditions are also significant factors that can impact the effectiveness of timber piling. In areas with high water levels or unstable soil conditions, timber piles can be driven deep into the ground to provide a stable foundation for construction projects. Conversely, areas with dry or rocky soil may require different foundation solutions.