When it comes to ground improvement, rigid inclusions don’t always need to be made of steel or concrete. In certain soil profiles and structural applications, timber piles can serve as an efficient, durable, and environmentally responsible alternative- especially for low- to moderate-load foundations.
At Garbin GeoStructural Group, we’ve engineered and reviewed projects where timber piles were used as rigid inclusions to transfer loads through soft, compressible soils into more competent bearing layers below. The principle remains the same as with concrete or grout columns: improve the composite stiffness of the ground and control settlement. What changes is the material—and with it, the economics, installation method, and sustainability profile.
Properly designed, timber inclusions can provide remarkable longevity. Below the groundwater table, where oxygen is limited, treated timber piles can remain structurally sound for well over a century. They install quickly, generate minimal spoil, and require no curing time- making them ideal for rapid mobilization or sites where concrete supply or access is limited.
Of course, timber isn’t right for every application. Engineers must account for variability in pile stiffness, potential bio-degradation above the waterline, and long-term loading conditions. But when those factors align, timber piles represent an elegant example of engineering efficiency meeting environmental responsibility.
At GGG, we believe the best foundation solution isn’t always the most complex- it’s the one that’s most constructible, durable, and aligned with the site’s reality. Sometimes, that means going back to one of the oldest and most reliable materials on earth: wood.
Did You Know?
Some of the oldest known foundation systems in the world are built on timber piles. In Venice, Italy — where buildings have stood for centuries — the piles beneath them are still intact because they remain submerged below the groundwater table, protected from oxygen and decay. When properly designed and installed, timber piles can deliver that same century-long durability in modern geostructural applications.
Ready to explore smarter foundation solutions?
If you’re working on a project where traditional foundations aren’t a given, let’s discuss how timber piles as rigid inclusions could offer a cost‑effective, sustainable alternative. Contact us today at Garbin GeoStructural Group, LLC to schedule a consultation — we’ll review your site conditions, assess suitability, and help you determine the optimal ground‑improvement approach.
