What part of a pile is referred to as the tip?

In the context of piles used in construction, the tip refers to the small end before being placed into the ground. This tip is designed to penetrate the soil and transfer the load of the structure efficiently into the ground. Understanding this definition is essential for recognizing how various pile components function during installation.

The pile's tip is crucial because it's the first part that engages with the soil, allowing the rest of the pile to be driven down effectively. The design of the tip may vary depending on the type of pile and the conditions of the site, as different soil types may require specific tip shapes and sizes for optimal performance.

While the other sections mentioned, such as the large end before driving, the upper section, and the section removed after driving, are important for different reasons, they do not describe the tip in the same manner as the small end prior to placement does. Recognizing these distinctions is important for understanding how piles are utilized in structural engineering.