Pile Foundation Design in Singapore
We review your site investigation data and project requirements, select a suitable pile type, and prepare the design calculations, drawings and specifications your project needs.
What the pile design service covers
- Review of the available geotechnical investigation information, loads and project requirements.
- Assessment of suitable pile types, capacities and design assumptions.
- Pile design calculations, layout drawings and specifications, within the agreed appointment.
- Coordination of design information with your structural, geotechnical and construction teams.
- Advice on whether further site investigation is needed before the design is finalised.
Pile types we design
The right pile depends on the ground, the loads and what the site allows. These are the pile types most often considered on Singapore projects:
Bored pile design
Cast-in-place reinforced concrete piles formed by boring and concreting in the ground. Suited to higher loads and to sites where driving noise and vibration must be limited. Design attention goes to base and shaft resistance, concreting and integrity testing.
Driven pile design
Precast reinforced concrete, prestressed spun concrete or steel H-piles installed by driving. Installation is generally fast, but noise and vibration need to be considered where neighbouring buildings or sensitive structures are close.
Jack-in piles
Precast piles pressed into the ground hydraulically. Often considered where low noise and low vibration matter, subject to rig access and ground conditions.
Micropile design
Small-diameter drilled and grouted piles. Useful for addition and alteration works, underpinning, restricted headroom and tight access, where larger rigs cannot reach.
What drives the design
| Input | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Site investigation data | Borehole logs and test results show the soil and rock layers, groundwater and the depth to a suitable bearing stratum. |
| Structural loads | Column and wall loads, including lateral and uplift loads where relevant, set the required pile capacity and number of piles. |
| Settlement criteria | Allowable total and differential settlement can govern the design as much as capacity. |
| Construction method | How the piles will be installed affects capacity assumptions, testing and site records. |
| Site constraints | Access, headroom, neighbouring buildings, rail structures, drains and sewers, noise and vibration limits. |
Singapore's ground varies considerably from site to site, from soft marine clay to residual soils and rock, so design assumptions are tied to the site's own investigation data rather than to rules of thumb. Foundation design in Singapore is carried out to the Eurocodes, including SS EN 1997-1 (Eurocode 7) and its Singapore National Annex.
Some foundation works are classed as geotechnical building works under the Building Control Act, which require a Specialist Professional Engineer (Geotechnical) and checking by an Accredited Checker. We identify at the start whether this applies and coordinate with the relevant professionals.
What to send us
- Site address and a short description of the development.
- Site investigation report, if available.
- Architectural or structural layout and expected loads.
- Information on neighbouring buildings, rail structures, drains or services nearby.
- Your target programme and the current project stage.
Related services
A pile design usually leads into a BCA structural plan submission for piling, then installation supervision and pile testing coordination. See how they fit together in our project process.
Need a pile design?
Send the site investigation report and loads, or tell us what you have so far. We will advise on the next step.