What are the Differences Between Bored Piles and Driven Piles?

The main difference between bored piles and driven piles is that the former is cast and installed on the construction site. At the same time, the latter is precast and installed using hydraulic force. Both piles are used to make a strong foundation when building a foundation. Are you planning to start your residential construction project and want to know the difference between bored and driven piles? Worry not - the Piled Raft Foundation is here to help. In this article, you will learn the difference between bored piles and driven piles, their construction process, load-bearing capacity, and usage.

What is a bored pile?

A bored pile is a cylindrical concrete pile installed deep into the ground. The reason behind its cylindrical shape is that a mechanical auger is used to dig holes into the ground, and then a steel cage is inserted to pour liquid concrete. For this reason, a bored pile is also called an auger pile. Once the soil is dug out of the cylinder, liquid concrete is poured in with reinforced steel. Constructing bored piles is relatively complex and may require significant time. Bored piles are constructed to carry loads for high-rising buildings, and they transfer load to a deep and strong load-bearing layer in the ground. There are two subtypes of bored or replacement or drilled piles - rotary bored piles and continuous flight augers.

What is a driven pile?

Driven piles are precast concrete, timber, or still piles driven into the ground using vibration or hammers. They are more easy to install than bored piles. No excavator or concrete mixing machines are required to install these piles. Besides simplicity, it is more economical to use in construction. Contractors can bring precast reinforced piles or steel piles and, using hydraulic force, can install them into the ground. We suggest consulting with your site engineer if you prefer to install driven piles for your residential construction project. You can also contact us. With years of experience in piled raft foundation construction, we can tell you if driven piles suit your construction.

What are the differences between bored piles and driven piles?

The main difference is in the installation process. While bored piles require excavators to dig in and liquid concrete to construct them, driven piles only require an impact hammer and the piles themselves. Driven piles are also more economical and have lower carbon footprints than bored piles. Bored piles require more machinery, labour, and raw materials, leading to a higher environmental impact. A crane, hydraulic or air hammer and piling rig are needed to install driven piles.

On the other hand, bored piles required drilling rigs, helper cranes, pile casing, concrete mixing and pumping trucks, slurry handling, etc. The driven pile installation site remains clear and free from waste materials. However, bored pile construction sites remain cluttered after the installation process. Hence, strict supervision is required during and after the installation process of bored piles.

Where can you use bored and driven piles?

Bored piles usage - Bored piles effectively transfer ground load into deep soil layers. They can be used to construct bridges or retaining walls for flat protection. As deep holes are dug to create bored piles, there is a minimum chance of ground settlement. Hence, bored piles are suitable for supporting bridges, skyscrapers, industrial plants, and other large infrastructures. They are also ideal for constructing jetties and harbors.

Driven piles usage - Driven piles are used in projects where quick installation of piles is a priority. It does not require time to cure, and the construction process can be installed instantly. These piles also effectively construct structures in shallow water, such as docks and piers. Temporary load-bearing structures can utilize driven piles as it is easier to dig them out. If you plan to construct a foundation on cohesionless soil with a high presence of sand and gravel, you can use driven piles.

Final thoughts

Both bored and driven piles effectively carry loads and transfer them deep into the soil layer. That being said, you must consult with the site engineer before choosing between driven or bored piles. Otherwise, you can contact us at the Piled Raft Foundation. We have expert contractors to advise you on constructing your building foundation. We offer personalised construction advice and obligation-free quotes for your construction project.