friction pile

noun

A type of understructural element used to support a superstructure (ie. building and basement foundation slab), where a long pole buried vertically in the ground relies on friction with the ground to prevent sinking, supporting the heavy superstructure above, when used in groups as a pile foundation.

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Meanings

nounfriction pile (plural friction piles)

plural friction piles

  1. architectureA type of understructural element used to support a superstructure (ie. building and basement foundation slab), where a long pole buried vertically in the ground relies on friction with the ground to prevent sinking, supporting the heavy superstructure above, when used in groups as a pile foundation.
Cite this entry
APA

friction pile. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/friction%20pile

MLA

“friction pile.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/friction%20pile. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “friction pile,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/friction%20pile.

Source: friction pile on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.