Timber Piles

These can be used for relatively lightly loaded structures located in compressive types of soils with high ground water level. Timber has a high weight to strength ratio and can be cut, shaped and handled easily. If timber piles are wholly in a submerged condition they have a long life. If the subsoil water level is high, the piles can be cut off, at the top. below this level and a concrete pile cap be provided as shown in Figure.

  Timber Pile with Concrete Cap

Timber used for the piles has to be of good quality like teak, sal, deodar etc. It should be straight grained and free from defects. The piles shall be treated with timber preservative. Timber piles can be of square or round section. Round section is preferable as cutting to square shape removes part of the outer sapwood which is absorptive to preservatives. 

Piles  are driven into the soil by the drop hammer of a pile driving machine. For facilitating driving, the lower end is provided with a cast iron conical shoe and the head is prevented from splitting by means of a mild steel hoop. 

Timber piles are relatively cheaper and easy to drive but get deteriorated and decayed particularly when subject to alternative drying and wetting. They cannot be used for heavily loaded structures.