Piles and piers are described as what type of elements connected with a tie beam?

Piles and piers are structural elements that are designed to transfer loads from a building or structure down to the underlying soil or rock. These elements are primarily vertical in orientation, enabling them to effectively support vertical loads from above. The tie beam connects these vertical elements to ensure stability and distribute lateral forces, thus maintaining the integrity of the structure.

In this context, piles are deep foundations driven into the ground, while piers are typically short columns or supports that are placed above the ground. Both serve crucial roles in foundation engineering, emphasizing their vertical nature in construction and structural support. Understanding the orientation and function of these elements is key in fields such as civil engineering and architecture, particularly when considering load distribution and stability in foundation design.