Pile selector calculator

Select deep foundation piles by type and capacity

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The Pile Selector Calculator helps structural and geotechnical engineers select appropriate pile types and sizes for deep foundation applications. Reference guide for timber, steel, concrete, and composite piles with capacity ranges and typical applications.

Deep foundations transfer building loads through weak or unstable soil to deeper, more competent layers. Pile selection depends on load requirements, soil conditions, site constraints, and construction methods.

Browse pile types by category (Timber, Steel, Concrete, Composite) to view capacity ranges, optimum lengths, sizes, and spacing recommendations. The calculator helps identify appropriate pile solutions for different foundation requirements and site conditions.

Features

Everything you need

Multiple pile type categories
Capacity range references
Optimum length recommendations
Size and spacing guidelines
Material type comparison
Foundation design guidance
Geotechnical reference

How it works

Simple workflow

1
Browse pile types by category
2
Review capacity and length ranges
3
Compare different pile materials
4
Select appropriate pile type
5
Apply sizing recommendations

Use cases

Built for real-world scenarios

Foundation design

Select appropriate pile types for deep foundation systems based on load and soil conditions.

Preliminary planning

Estimate pile requirements during early design phases before detailed geotechnical analysis.

Material selection

Compare timber, steel, and concrete pile options for different applications.

Cost estimation

Understand pile capacity ranges for preliminary cost estimation and feasibility studies.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Timber piles: 15-25 kips capacity, 45-65 ft optimum length. Steel H-piles: 50-200 kips, 40-150 ft. Concrete piles: 50-300 kips, 30-120 ft. Composite piles combine materials.

Pile capacity depends on soil conditions, pile material, and installation method. Typical ranges: Timber 15-40 kips, Steel 50-200 kips, Concrete 50-300+ kips. Geotechnical analysis determines actual capacity.

Typical spacing: 2.5-3.5 ft center-to-center, or 2.5-3.0 pile diameters. Closer spacing increases group capacity but increases cost. Spacing depends on pile size and soil conditions.

Use piles when: shallow soil has low bearing capacity, building loads are high, site has weak/compressible soil, or structures require uplift resistance. Consult geotechnical engineer for site-specific recommendations.

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