---
title: "Types of pile by use; tension piles"
subject: "Foundation Engineering"
chapter: 8
key: "semester_5/foundation_engineering:pile-types-use-tension"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/foundation_engineering/pile-types-use-tension
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Types of pile by use; tension piles

Foundation Engineering · Chapter 8: Pile Foundations

- Asked in: 2082 Bhadra, 2 marks
- Video: [Types of Piles based on Use - Deep Foundation - Foundation Engineering GATE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44j3T8QNixU) — Ekeeda GATE & ESE
- Answer checked by Claude Sonnet 5.5 on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/foundation_engineering/pile-types-use-tension
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/foundation_engineering/chapter-8

## Question

What are the types of pile based on use? Where are tension piles used?

## Short answer

Types by use include end‑bearing, friction, tension, compaction, batter, laterally loaded, anchor, fender, and sheet piles. Tension piles resist uplift in structures like transmission towers, offshore platforms, basements below water table, bridges, and water tanks subject to overturning or buoyancy.

## Answer

#### Types of pile by use (function)
1. **Bearing (end-bearing) piles:** carry vertical loads to a firm stratum.
2. **Friction piles:** carry load by skin friction in deep soft soil.
3. **Tension (uplift) piles:** resist upward loads by skin friction.
4. **Compaction piles:** densify loose granular soil, without carrying much load.
5. **Batter (inclined) piles:** resist lateral and inclined loads.
6. **Laterally loaded piles:** resist horizontal forces, as in retaining walls and jetties.
7. **Anchor piles:** hold down sheet piles or bulkheads against pull.
8. **Fender and dolphin piles:** absorb impact of ships at harbours.
9. **Sheet piles:** form walls to retain soil and water.

#### Use of tension piles
Tension piles resist uplift in: transmission towers and tall chimneys (wind overturning), basements and underground tanks below the water table (buoyancy), offshore platforms and jetties, bridge piers subject to overturning, and foundations of water tanks and dams that need hold-down. They are anchored in the cap and may have an under-reamed bulb to increase resistance.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Tension piles resist:
   A. Uplift by skin friction
   B. Lateral soil pressure
   C. Ship impact
   D. Compaction
   Answer: A. They resist upward loads. (Key point: Tension piles)

2. Where are tension piles used?
   A. Transmission towers and basements below water table
   B. Small sheds on rock
   C. Road pavements
   D. Light fences only
   Answer: A. Wind overturning and buoyancy create uplift. (Key point: Use of tension piles)

3. Batter piles are used to:
   A. Resist lateral and inclined loads
   B. Densify sand
   C. Absorb ship impact
   D. Form walls
   Answer: A. Inclination carries the horizontal component. (Key point: Batter piles)

4. Compaction piles:
   A. Densify loose granular soil without carrying much load
   B. Carry heavy loads
   C. Resist uplift
   D. Hold bulkheads
   Answer: A. Their purpose is densification. (Key point: Compaction piles)

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