Why Are Condos Built On Pilings (Video)

“Hi, my name is Greg Batista here to answer another question from the internet.

BeachBuilder asks: Why are so many Florida condos built on pilings?

It’s all about soil strength. Florida has sandy, porous soils that can’t carry the massive weight of high-rises near the surface. Engineers drive pilings deep into stronger soil layers or even into bedrock. Each piling can carry an enormous load — the Federal Highway Administration notes some designs support up to 1,000 tons per pile. Pilings also provide stability against storm surge and erosion, which is vital along Florida’s coasts. That’s why entire forests of pilings are driven before a single floor is poured. Though hidden, they form the foundation that ensures these massive towers remain standing through hurricanes, tides, and decades of wear.

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Authoritative references: FHWA – Pile Foundation Manual; Florida Building Code foundation requirements.

The author, Greg Batista, PE, CGC, SI is owner of G. Batista Engineering & Construction and is a nationally-recognized engineer and contractor with more than 35 years of experience and offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.