Pylon vs. Piling — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
Pylons are vertical structures supporting bridges or overhead power lines, while pilings are deep foundations driven into the ground for structural support.
Difference Between Pylon and Piling
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pylons, often made of steel, concrete, or a combination, are tall, tower-like structures designed to support the weight and dynamic loads of bridges or to carry overhead power lines across long distances. Pilings, on the other hand, are long, slender columns typically made of wood, steel, or concrete, driven deep into the earth or seabed to provide foundational support for buildings, piers, or other structures, ensuring stability even in weak soil conditions.
While pylons are visible above ground and contribute to the overall structure of bridges or electrical transmission networks, pilings work unseen, buried below the surface, serving as a crucial part of a structure's foundation. The design and construction of pylons focus on height and the ability to withstand environmental forces like wind and water, whereas pilings are designed to resist forces from soil and load-bearing requirements.
Pylons are engineered to distribute loads from the bridge deck or electrical wires across a wide area, often utilizing cables or arches for added support. Pilings, however, transfer the load of the structure above to stronger soil layers or rock found deeper underground, preventing settling or shifting that could lead to structural failure.
The choice between using pylons or pilings depends on the specific needs of the project: pylons are selected for projects requiring elevated support, like bridges or power lines, while pilings are used when deep foundational support is necessary, particularly in areas with unstable soil.
Comparison Chart
Function
Supports bridges and overhead lines
Provides deep foundational support
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Structure
Visible, tower-like
Long, slender columns, often underground
Material
Steel, concrete, or both
Wood, steel, concrete
Load Distribution
Distributes dynamic loads above ground
Transfers loads to deeper, stable soil layers
Environmental Resistance
Designed to withstand wind, water
Designed to resist soil movement and bearing forces
Compare with Definitions
Pylon
Used to support bridges or power lines.
The suspension bridge was supported by towering pylons on each end.
Piling
Provides foundational support for buildings and structures.
Pilings were driven into the seabed to support the new pier.
Pylon
Visible above ground as part of the structure.
The pylons along the highway were illuminated at night for visibility.
Piling
Used in construction on unstable soil.
Pilings were necessary due to the soft, marshy ground at the construction site.
Pylon
Must withstand environmental forces.
Bridge pylons are designed to endure strong river currents and winds.
Piling
Typically not visible, buried underground.
The building's stability was ensured by deep pilings beneath the surface.
Pylon
Architectural and functional significance.
The pylons of the bridge became an iconic part of the city's skyline.
Piling
Essential for structural integrity and longevity.
The longevity of the coastal structure relied heavily on the durability of its pilings.
Pylon
Often linked with cables for support.
The pylons were connected by cables that held the bridge deck in place.
Piling
Can be driven or drilled into place.
The construction crew used a pile driver to insert the pilings into the ground.
Pylon
A movable, brightly colored cone or shaft of rubber that is used to signal something to be avoided, such as a hazard or work zone on a roadway.
Piling
See pile2.
Pylon
(Football) A flexible, usually padded marker that stands upright at each corner of the end zone to facilitate judgments of close plays.
Piling
The act of driving piles.
Pylon
A tower marking a turning point in a race among aircraft.
Piling
Piles considered as a group.
Pylon
A steel tower supporting high-tension wires.
Piling
A structure composed of piles.
Pylon
A tower or shaft supporting a wind turbine.
Piling
A structural support comprising a length of wood, steel, or other construction material.
Pylon
A structure supporting a bridge deck.
Piling
The act of heaping up.
Pylon
A large structure or group of structures marking an entrance or approach.
Piling
(ironworking) The process of building up, heating, and working fagots or piles to form bars, etc.
Pylon
A monumental gateway in the form of a pair of tapered blocks serving as the entrance to an ancient Egyptian temple.
Piling
Present participle of pile
Pylon
A structure that attaches an aircraft engine to a plane's wing or fuselage.
Piling
The act of heaping up.
Pylon
A gateway to the inner part of an Ancient Egyptian temple.
Piling
The process of building up, heating, and working, fagots, or piles, to form bars, etc.
Pylon
(electricity) A tower-like structure, usually one of a series, used to support high-voltage electricity cables.
Piling
A series of piles; piles considered collectively; as, the piling of a bridge.
Pylon
(architecture) A tall steel or concrete tower from which cables are strung.
Piling
A column of wood or steel or concrete that is driven into the ground to provide support for a structure
Pylon
A lighting mast; a freestanding support for floodlights.
Pylon
(aviation) A structure used to mount engines, missiles etc., to the underside of an aircraft wing or fuselage.
Pylon
A starting derrick for an aeroplane.
Pylon
A post, tower, etc. as on an aerodrome, or flying ground, serving to bound or mark a prescribed course of flight.
Pylon
An obelisk.
Pylon
A traffic cone.
Pylon
(American football) An orange marker designating one of the four corners of the end zone in American football.
Pylon
(medicine) A rigid prosthesis for the lower leg.
Pylon
A low tower, having a truncated pyramidal form, and flanking an ancient Egyptian gateway.
Massive pylons adorned with obelisks in front.
Pylon
An Egyptian gateway to a large building (with or without flanking towers).
Pylon
A tower, commonly of steelwork, for supporting either end of a wire, as for a telegraph line, over a long span.
Pylon
Formerly, a starting derrick (the use of which is now abandoned) for an aeroplane.
Pylon
A tower for guiding pilots or marking the turning point in a race
Pylon
A large vertical steel tower supporting high-tension power lines;
Power pylons are a favorite target for terrorists
Common Curiosities
What materials are commonly used for pilings?
Pilings are commonly made from wood, steel, or concrete, chosen based on the environmental conditions and the load-bearing requirements of the project.
How are pylons designed to withstand environmental forces?
Pylons are engineered with considerations for wind, water, and seismic forces, using materials and designs that provide stability and flexibility, such as aerodynamic shapes and reinforced materials.
Can pylons be used for purposes other than supporting bridges and power lines?
While primarily used for bridges and power lines, pylons can also serve in structures like observation towers, signal towers, and in certain architectural designs for aesthetic or functional purposes.
What is the purpose of a pylon in construction?
A pylon is used to support structures like bridges or overhead power lines, providing stability and height to span large distances.
How do pilings support a building?
Pilings are driven deep into the earth to reach stable soil or rock, providing a secure foundation that distributes the weight of the structure above, preventing settling or shifting.
How is the depth of pilings determined?
The depth of pilings is determined by geotechnical engineering studies that assess soil composition, density, and strength, ensuring that pilings reach a depth where the soil can adequately support the structure's load.
What challenges are associated with driving pilings into the ground?
Challenges can include finding a path through layers of hard rock or obstructions, mitigating noise and vibrations during installation, and ensuring the pilings are perfectly vertical and aligned.
Why might pilings be preferred over shallow foundations?
Pilings are preferred in situations where the surface soil is not stable or strong enough to support a structure, requiring support from deeper, more stable soil layers or bedrock.
How do pylons and pilings contribute to sustainable construction?
Both pylons and pilings can contribute to sustainable construction by using durable and recyclable materials, minimizing environmental impact through careful planning, and ensuring the long-term stability and efficiency of structures.
Are pylons always made of concrete or steel?
While steel and concrete are the most common materials due to their strength and durability, pylons can also incorporate other materials like composites or be clad in aesthetic materials for architectural purposes.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
