Long vertical members (often made of timber, steel, or concrete) driven deep into the ground to transfer the building load to stable subsurface layers. This type is frequently used in coastal or sandy regions with poor surface soil stability.
Pier
Vertical supports made of concrete, masonry, or steel, strategically placed to bear the weight of the structure. Piers elevate the house above the ground, commonly used in flood-prone areas or where soil conditions require minimal ground disturbance.
