PUUPATE – Enhancing the Use of Timber Piles in Infrastructure Construction

New Low-Carbon Solutions for Ground Improvement

Project Duration

1.7.2026 – 31.12.2028

Source of Funding

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland

Total Funding

€261,702

Timber piles are a low-carbon, domestically available alternative for ground improvement in infrastructure construction. However, their use in Finland remains limited. One reason is the lack of up-to-date information on the technical performance, costs and environmental impacts of timber piling. The PUUPATE project generates new knowledge and develops practical solutions to support the wider adoption of timber piles as part of low-carbon infrastructure construction.

Infrastructure construction requires new solutions to reduce emissions, improve material efficiency and enable construction on soft soil areas. Timber piles can provide one answer to these challenges. The PUUPATE project studies, develops and tests timber pile solutions while producing information on their applications and suitability for modern infrastructure projects. The aim is to lower the threshold for the use of timber piles in design and construction.

Benefits for Designers, Contractors and Clients

The primary target groups of the PUUPATE project are infrastructure designers, contractors, developers, clients and companies involved in developing and applying timber pile solutions. In addition, the project serves municipalities, cities, public authorities and other stakeholders seeking low-carbon and cost-effective ground improvement methods. The knowledge, test results and practical guidance produced within the project support the entire infrastructure sector in its transition towards lower-carbon construction practices.

From Research to Practical Solutions

The project examines the technical performance, costs, carbon footprint and suitability of timber piles for different infrastructure applications. At the same time, new pile tip and joint solutions are developed and tested in both laboratory and field conditions.
The project will produce practical knowledge and guidelines for the design, dimensioning and installation of timber piles. The objective is to make research results directly available and usable for designers, contractors and clients.

Towards Lower-Carbon Infrastructure Construction

PUUPATE provides new knowledge and practical solutions for the use of timber piles, particularly in infrastructure construction. The project outcomes support low-carbon construction, the use of domestic materials and the adoption of new ground improvement solutions.
In the long term, the project results may increase the use of timber piles in applications such as solar power plants, noise barriers, hydraulic structures, embankments and other infrastructure foundations. At the same time, the project strengthens industry expertise, supports material self-sufficiency and promotes the green transition in construction.

In Cooperation with Industry Stakeholders

PUUPATE continues the development work initiated in the Helsinki Malmi Airfield pilot structure project and brings together key stakeholders in the timber piling sector. The project is carried out by the Future Built Environment (FBE) research group at Turku University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with companies and other industry stakeholders.
Key industry partners include Maanrakennus A. Ruusunlehti Oy, UMP Maastohitsaus Oy and Finprofile Oy. The utilisation and dissemination of project results are further supported by Puuinfo Oy, the Finnish Geotechnical Society, the City of Turku, the City of Helsinki and the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (FTIA).