Piling construction utilizes the impact force of a pile hammer to overcome soil resistance, allowing the pile to be driven to a predetermined depth or to a bearing layer. (Of course, this explains "piling." Other methods to drive prefabricated piles to the predetermined depth or bearing layer include static pressure, vibration, and water jetting.)

In the foundation construction of building projects, pile drivers are used as auxiliary equipment for pile foundation construction. The choice of machinery and the type of pile to be used depends on various factors such as geological conditions, building height, noise and pollution restrictions in the construction area, construction period requirements, quality, and economic considerations. Geological conditions vary across different locations, and soil environment, water level, and water content are the main factors affecting pile foundation technology. If the site is suitable for plain concrete piles, they can be used; otherwise, concrete piles may not fully meet the requirements.

Based on construction techniques, piles are classified into cast-in-place piles and prefabricated piles. Prefabricated piles are further divided into steel pipe piles and concrete piles.

According to the load-bearing characteristics, piles are classified as friction piles and end-bearing piles. Friction piles transfer and spread the upper load through the friction between the pile and the surrounding soil at a certain depth, with the soil at the pile tip also providing support. The soil at the pile tip is not very dense, allowing for some relative displacement between the pile and the soil. End-bearing piles are driven into a solid layer underground, transferring the load of the superstructure to the solid layer through the pile body. They transmit building loads from soft soil layers to hard soil or rock layers at the pile tip. The friction between the pile and the soft soil surrounding it is minimal and can be neglected.