This document provides information about pile foundations. Pile foundations are used when the soil cannot support building loads and piles are driven deep into the ground until they reach a bearing stratum. Piles can be made of timber, concrete, or steel. They transfer loads from the building to the stronger subsurface layer. The document discusses different types of piles including end bearing and friction piles and explains how pile caps are reinforced to resist tensile and shear forces from heavy loads. Diagrams show how pile foundations are arranged and how piles transmit loads into the ground.