Foundations Of British Culture Are Built On Timber Piling

Foundations Of British Culture Are Built On Timber Piling

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In the construction industry, the importance of a good foundation cannot be underestimated. The success of a structure or building relies on its ability to remain upright and in one piece. The failure of a building or bridge can lead to the loss of many lives; therefore, the structure's strength relies on the strength of its foundations. To achieve a sufficient support for large constructions, pilings are used. These can be made from timber, steel or concrete. The piles are driven deep into the ground to provide a sturdy base on to which heavy loads can be placed.

The types of piling in use are many and varied. Although there are three main materials used to construct piles, there are many different types available, and each fills a specific construction niche, and you would be surprised at how many different types of pile surround you in your everyday life. As much as piling is used for foundation work, there are many instances where piles are fully visible, keeping our surroundings supported without us even noticing.

Steel and concrete piles are a relatively recent introduction to the construction industry. Prior to their arrival, supports were constructed from timber. Piers, bridges and building foundations were reliant on massive timber supports being forced into the ground. One of the great engineering feats using timber as a sound structural support was the West Pier in Brighton. Unfortunately this gem of Victorian architecture is no longer around, but its demise was nothing to do with the foundations.

The ornate pavilion that sat upon the pier was the target of arsonists on more than one occasion, and the final time left the listed building beyond repair. It was not let down by the timber foundations though, and the mangled frame of the former building sat proud atop the timber piling. The strength and duration of timber for use in such a volatile environment is quite astonishing, but that is because timber requires oxygen and water to decompose. Water alone, or air alone results in a much slower weathering of wood.

Another watery place where timber piling has stood the test of time is in Venice; many of the properties that have been around since the 16th century have been standing on timber piles. Because the foundations were constructed under the water line and have never been exposed to the environment above water level, the timber has stayed strong and intact. Despite the associations with archaic architecture and engineering, timber is still used widely in construction and engineering for economic reasons.

Wood is generally in plentiful supply and readily available locally, this combines to make it a more affordable option than concrete or steel piles. Not only does it not need fabricating, if a source is found locally, the transport costs are considerably reduced. The only drawback is that the load bearing capability of piles made from wood are not as good as those constructed from concrete or steel, with the toughest hardwood supporting around 3500kN.

Although timber is more suited to use below the water table, wood is still used for other piling solutions. And once again, the presence of timber can be found by the water. Miles upon miles of British coastland is protected by timber groynes that are often constructed as soldier piling. Using either just timber or using concrete or steel posts with timber lagging, these walls have served to stop our beaches being washed away to keep our coastline the same as the first maps that were made. Some of these beach based structures are so much a part of our everyday experiences, that it is hard to imagine our coastline without them, which leads me to conclude that the timber pile is as quintessentially British as strawberries and cream.

About the Author:
Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the engineering industry.
Find out more about Piling and how your construction and engineering needs can be met at at Deepdale Engineering.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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