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Structuralaka: drilled pieraka: caissonaka: drilled shaft

Pier

In Plain English

A large, drilled concrete column that extends deep into the ground to carry building loads to solid soil or rock.

Definition

A deep foundation element that transfers loads through weak near-surface soils to stronger soils or bedrock at greater depth. Piers are typically larger in diameter than piles and are often drilled and filled with reinforced concrete. They may also refer to isolated masonry or concrete supports for bridges, elevated structures, or heavy equipment.

Example

Thirty 24-inch-diameter drilled concrete piers extending 40 feet to rock support the high-rise tower foundation.

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