A new thesis shows that wooden pile foundations show visible damage after only a year if the groundwater level lowers. This can cause settlements of buildings in a matter of a few years. As early as ...

Most modern structures are built to last 50 years or so, but ingenious ancient engineering has kept this watery city afloat for more than 1,600 years – using only wood. As any local knows, Venice is ...

After attending a seminar on permanent wood foundations back in 2010, I was turned into a big fan of wood foundations. But I was also convinced that most wood foundations are built improperly. I was ...

Venice Is an Upside-Down Forest. Startling Engineering Has Kept City Afloat With Just Wood for More Than 1,600 Years. Venice, for many, possibly ranks as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

As early as 2000 years ago, the great Roman architect Vitruvius wrote that wooden piles must be driven down into mud or waterlogged ground and buried completely in order to create a stable foundation ...