Pros and Cons of a Pile Garage

Building a pile garage is becoming an increasingly popular solution for landowners, especially in suburban and rural areas. Screw piles allow for a quick and efficient foundation that doesn't require extensive excavation. In this article, we'll cover the steps for building a pile garage, from choosing the right structure to installing the floor.

Types of Garages on Pile Foundations

The main types include:

• Frame garage. A lightweight structure, suitable for private homes. It can be erected quickly and relatively inexpensively.

• Permanent garage made of brick or block. These garages are heavier, but are highly durable and long-lasting. A properly designed foundation is required for their construction on piles.

• Metal garage. These structures are typically made of sheet metal; they are lighter than permanent structures but require corrosion protection.

• Insulated garage. This type of garage requires insulation and can be used as a workshop even in winter. Each type of garage has its own characteristics that must be considered during design and construction.

Pros and Cons of a Pile Garage

Pros:

• Quick installation. Installing screw piles takes minimal time.

• Minimal excavation work. Unlike pouring a concrete foundation, there is no need to dig deep pits.

• Adaptability to difficult soils. Screw piles are ideal for areas with high groundwater levels, on slopes, and in soft soils.

• Durability. With proper anti-corrosion treatment, screw piles can last up to 100 years.

Cons:

• Requires accurate calculations. For heavy structures, an accurate calculation of the number and depth of piles is required.

• Limitations on wall materials. Not all wall materials are suitable for pile foundations.

• Additional costs for corrosion protection. Metal piles require rust protection, especially in high-humidity conditions.

Which piles to choose for a garage

Let's look at the main parameters:

• Pile diameter. The optimal diameter is considered to be 89-108 mm for frame garages and 108-133 mm for permanent structures.

• Length. Piles are selected based on the depth of freezing and the nature of the soil. The average length varies from 1.5 to 3 meters.

• Blades. The larger the blade diameter, the higher the pile's load-bearing capacity. Piles with wide blades are recommended.

• Material and coating. Prefer piles with anti-corrosion treatment, as they extend the life of the structure.

How many piles are needed?

To calculate the number of piles, consider the following:

1. Soil type. Weak and unstable soils require more piles.

2. Garage area. The larger the area, the more supports will be required to distribute the load.

3. The weight of the structure. Lightweight frame garages require fewer piles than heavy, permanent garages.

The number of piles depends on the garage's area and the load it will bear:

1. A small garage of 18-20 m² will require approximately 4-6 piles.

2. A medium-sized garage of 24-28 m² is best suited for 6-8 piles.

3. A large garage over 30 m² will require 10 or more piles.

Calculation example: a standard 6x4 meter frame garage will require approximately 9-12 piles, spaced 1.5-2 meters apart.

It is important to ensure even distribution of the load on the piles to prevent deformation of the structure.