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Piling or piering is a method of creating a foundation for a structure in sandy or unstable ground by creating reinforced, solid concrete columns that reach down to the bedrock or nominated depth. These piles/piers can be spaced according to an engineer’s specification or in a line to form a barrier or structural support, which is called contiguous piling. Normally a concrete beam is formed along the top of the piles and is referred to as a capping beam, which adds further structural integrity to the system and can offer a platform for further structural construction

Contiguous piling is often used as a retaining wall around the perimeter of a site so that excavation of the site can be safely undertaken whilst the contiguous piles ensure the surrounding ground and buildings, etc, are supported.

Underpinning is a method to create support below the ground for an existing structure. This is required when a structure is either sinking or is showing signs of subsidence which can appear as cracks in the masonry and concrete of the structure. It can also be used to create a void such as room or cellar below an existing building. It can also be used to reinforce existing building and/or structures for additional storeys, extensions, the added weight requires strengthening the existing footings

It is a time consuming task as a small area below the existing foundation or wall base is excavated, then filled with concrete and allowed to cure, then dry packed with non shink grout before excavation of the next section is undertaken and the process repeated. This can sometimes be done in several horizontal layers, one below the other. It is basically the building of an underground concrete wall from the top down whilst supporting the structure above

Shoring is often used on projects where vertical walls of soil need to be stabilized, either as a permanent, semi-permanent or temporary measure. The same hand piling technique is involved, with piles at predetermined spacing's, but with the insertion of vertical ‘I’ UB beams into the concrete piles that extend up to the required height. Timber sleepers are then placed between the beams to create a retaining wall. These are often used as a temporary measure whilst a permanent contiguous piled wall is constructed in front.

Capping beams form the top “cap” of the finished piers, providing an additional structural support.