deep foundations

Deep Foundation Systems: Caissons, Piles, and the Underground Structure That Carries the Building

When surface soil can't carry building loads, deep foundations — caissons, driven piles, auger-cast piles, micropiles — transfer loads to competent strata deeper down. Each system has specific applications, installation equipment, and quality control requirements. Deep foundation contractors are specialty subs; general contractors coordinate this scope with the rest of the project. Understanding what's happening underground helps GCs manage the schedule and quality of foundation work that determines whether the building stands or settles.