TIMBER PILES

Timber piles are generally either fir or pine species although for certain applications hemlock, larch, and cedar is used. Timber piles can be treated with wood preservative or creosote to pro-long the life span of the pile. These types of piles can be driven with the bark on or the piles can be peeled clean depending on their intended use. Timber piles are commonly used for a variety of applications from soil densification to foundation piles to small bridge structures.

Advantages:

• low unit cost
• easily driven with conventional equipment
• good supply available in a variety of lengths and sizes
• renewable resource
• treatable with preservative to extend pile life span

Disadvantages:

• cannot be easily spliced
• susceptible to rot
• limited strength
• susceptible to damage during pile driving
• environmental concerns when piles are treated
• can cause soil densification and pile heave