Where soils do not have sufficient load-bearing capacity, the forces are often transferred to deeper, sufficiently load-bearing soil layers through pile foundations. Besides bored piles, rammed piles are established for this purpose.

Ram piles are industrially manufactured in the factory and driven into the ground with a hammer ram on the construction site. Immediately after ramming, the pile is loadable. Ram piles create a (desired) structural change in the soil. There is no drilling material to be removed. Modern ramming technology reduces vibrations to a minimum. The ramming energy allows direct conclusions to be made about the existing load-bearing capacity. Pile segments are connected by coupling pieces to create virtually any length.

Rectangular cross-sections with diameters between 24 cm and 55 cm are common. A point formed to the pile’s tip is usually not necessary from a physical point of view. Mostly solid piles are used, occasionally also hollow ram piles. The danger of clogging the hollow space during ramming cannot be ruled out.

Compared to bored piles, rammed piles achieve higher values for peak pressure and surface friction, which often results in better load-bearing behaviour. The load-bearing capacity of rammed piles depend to a large extent on their manufacturing process. Surface roughness, compaction of the concrete used, pile diameter and prestressing are decisive parameters.