Foundation pile driving

Build on a stable, durable and guaranteed foundation with Fondabec

The stability of any building depends above all on the quality of the soil on which it rests. In many parts of Quebec, particularly in the St. Lawrence plain, clayey, backfilled or unstable soils require deep foundations to prevent settlement and ensure the long-term durability of your building.

At Fondabec, we install piles according to strict criteria adapted to the realities of Quebec’s climate and validated by specialized engineers. This proven solution transfers the loads of the structure to denser soil layers or directly to bedrock, providing a stable, durable foundation.

Why use driven piles for your construction project?

Driven piles—also known as steel piles driven to refusal—are a deep foundation solution recognized for their reliability on soils with low bearing capacity. They are particularly recommended when

By choosing driven piles, you eliminate the risks of movement over seasons or years and give your building a solid, long‑lasting foundation.

What types of projects use driven piles?

Driven piles are a deep foundation solution particularly suited to new construction projects on soils with low load-bearing capacity. Here are the main situations where this technique is recommended:

Single-family homes and residential buildings

Driven piles securely support new houses even in problematic zones where a slab‑on‑grade would be insufficient. They prevent differential settlement and ensure that the slab or foundation walls remain stable over the long term.

Commercial and multi-unit residential buildings

For larger projects, such as commercial or multi-family buildings (duplexes, triplexes, condominiums, or institutional buildings), the loads to be supported are greater. The installation of driven piles ensures effective load distribution and optimal stability, even in high-density urban areas. They also enable compliance with the structural performance standards required by insurers or municipalities. Finally, this piling solution secures long-term investments.

Expansions and extensions

A home expansion project, the installation of a detached garage, or a veranda may require a more stable foundation. The soil can vary from one end of the property to the other, and an unstable foundation on the extension could cause cracks over the seasons, separate the existing structure, or even reduce the long-term value of your property. Installing driven piles is the ideal solution for securely integrating a new construction into the existing structure, even without underpinning.

How does the installation of driven piles work?

Soil analysis and layout plan

Before work begins, a soil study is carried out to assess the depth of the rock or dense layer. An engineer then produces the plans and specifications, and a land surveyor determines the exact location of the piles. A building permit is then requested from the relevant municipality.

Sinking until refusal

Before work begins, a soil study is conducted to assess the depth of the rock or dense layer. An engineer then produces the plans and specifications, and a land surveyor determines the exact location of the piles. A building permit is then requested from the relevant municipality.

Verification, cutting, and connection to the foundation

Once the refusal point has been reached, the piles are tested according to the criteria established in the installation plan, then cut to the correct height (known as trimming). Gouging and concreting are then carried out. Finally, a head or footing is installed to support the foundation. All of this is done with great precision, in accordance with current standards.

The advantages of foundation piling

Piling your foundations is not just a solution to a structural problem: it is an investment in the durability and value of your property. Here are the main concrete benefits of a foundation reinforced with piles:

Permanent stabilization of the structure

Driven piles block any future movement of the foundation. Loads are redirected to load-bearing soil or rock, protecting the building from seasonal movements, frost, or clay soils.

Consolidation of load-bearing elements

Piling acts as a global structural reinforcement. By immobilizing the base of the building or house, the stability of load-bearing walls, concrete slabs, stairs, and openings is ensured.

Prevention of secondary damage

Stabilizing the foundation prevents new cracks from appearing, doors or windows from warping, or floors from lifting. This preserves the integrity of the building’s interior and exterior components.

Added value and peace of mind

A piled and certified foundation is an important asset when it comes to resale. It increases buyer confidence and can even enhance the market value of the property. In addition, a stable structure extends the overall life of the building.

Piling your home means securing your investment, preserving your comfort, and avoiding more costly repairs in the long run.

Personalized support at every step of your project

Before any construction work, a thorough assessment of your soil conditions is essential in order to make a clear diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate solution. At Fondabec, this analysis is carried out by experienced and certified professionals, with the support of our engineers specializing in soil structure and mechanics.

Analysis and assessment of your foundations

The assessment includes:

We know that foundation work can represent a significant investment. That’s why Fondabec also supports you financially:

Need a pile construction service?

For over 20 years, Fondabec has been assisting homeowners in Greater Montreal and across Quebec with their construction projects using driven piles. Whether you are in Laval, Longueuil, Terrebonne, the North Shore, the South Shore, or elsewhere in the province, our team will quickly come to assess your situation and offer you the most durable solution.

We hold all the necessary certifications in piling, civil engineering, and underpinning, and we work with partner engineers and surveyors to ensure the compliance and quality of each project.

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FAQ

How much does it cost to install driven piles?

The cost of installing driven piles varies depending on several factors, including the number of piles required to adequately support the structure, the depth needed to reach refusal or bedrock, the type of building to be supported (residential, commercial, multi-unit), site access conditions (restricted land, urban area, etc.), and the services included (soil study, surveyor layout, plans and specifications). etc.), and the services included (soil study, surveyor’s layout, plans and specifications).

Is it necessary to conduct a soil study before installing driven piles?

Yes, it is strongly recommended and often required by municipalities or professionals (engineers, architects). A soil study determines the nature of the soil (clay, fill, loose soil), the depth to a dense layer or bedrock, and the bearing capacity of the ground at different levels. This technical data is used to design a suitable foundation system, approved by an engineer. Fondabec can assist you in this process and work with recognized geotechnical laboratories.

How long does it take to install driven piles?

Installation is usually quick. For a typical residential construction project, the work takes 1 to 3 business days, depending on the factors listed above. A building or more complex project may take longer. An accurate estimate is provided during the initial assessment.

Are driven piles suitable for all types of foundations?

Yes, they can be adapted to a wide variety of structural configurations, including concrete foundation walls, structural slabs, strip footings/isolated footings, and hybrid foundations (piles + slab). Our engineers work with your professionals to ensure that the piles are compatible with the construction plans. A well-designed foundation always rests on a stable base, and that’s exactly what driven piles guarantee.

What is “refusal”?

Resistance is the maximum resistance point of the soil reached when driving the pile. This means that the pile can no longer penetrate further because it encounters very dense soil or bedrock. At this point, the building loads can be safely transferred, ensuring the long-term stability of the foundation.

For over 20 years, Fondabec has been assisting homeowners in Greater Montreal and throughout Quebec with their excavation projects.

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