A friction pile is a type of foundation that transfers building loads to the ground primarily through skin friction, rather than solely relying on end bearing. These piles are particularly effective in loose soils where driving them deeper allows the surface friction over the pile's entire length to support the structure's weight.

Friction Pile

Type of foundation

Building loads

Skin Friction

End bearing refers to the transfer of the entire structural load directly to the ground through the base of a pile or column, akin to how the weight of a chair is borne at its legs' contact points with the floor. This method is crucial in construction when underlying soil has sufficient strength at a certain depth to support the load without lateral support from the soil around the shaft.

End Bearing

Loose soils

Driving them deeper

Surface friction is a force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of such motion of two surfaces in contact, and it is crucial in determining the efficiency and wear of mechanical systems. It is influenced by factors such as surface roughness, material properties, and the normal force pressing the surfaces together.

Concepts

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