Pile
A pile is a foundation for a building. Piles are used when the soil is not strong enough to carry the weight of the building. The strength or bearing capacity of the soil can be measured using a cone penetration test.
Historically, piles were wood, later reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete.
Piles can be prefabricated and driven into the ground using a vibrator or a diesel pile driving rig supported on a drag line excavator, or can be formed in situ in a bore hole.
Steel sheet piles can be used to construct retaining walls.
See also Geotechnical engineering.
Piles is a synonym for hemorrhoids.