Pile-driving and the supporting power of piles

Twenty-five years ago the author read a paper before the Society of Architects upon "Timber Piling in Foundations and other Works." The notes then collected and since added to relate chiefly to timber piles, with which the author has had considerable experience, and upon which much scattered information has already been published; but all driven piles, whatever the material, must behave more or less according to the same laws, and the knowledge gained concerning ordinary timber piles will be likely to enable us to discover the laws and regulate the practice of driving and using piles of other material, including reinforced concrete. Henry Adams