Piles/Piers are characterized as which type of elements?

Piles and piers are fundamentally structural elements that support the loads of a building or structure. By design, they function primarily in a vertical orientation. Piles are typically long, slender columns driven deep into the ground to transfer loads from the superstructure to the soil or bedrock below. They encounter most of their forces in a vertical manner, as they support the weight of the structure above them and resist compressive and tensile forces.

Piers, similar to piles, are also vertical structural supports, but they are often wider and may extend above ground level, providing stability and support for beams or arches. They bear vertical loads and are critical in transferring these loads down to a stable foundation.

This vertical nature of both piles and piers is fundamental to their purpose in structural engineering, as they effectively counteract the gravitational forces acting upon a structure. Understanding their orientation helps in the design and analysis of foundations in various construction contexts.