Keep in mind that despite the term "drive", the concrete piles are usually vibrated into place. It is not like driving a fence post with a sledge hammer. Obviou

Keep in mind that despite the term "drive", the concrete piles are usually vibrated into place. It is not like driving a fence post with a sledge hammer. Obviously there is still a lot of stress introduced to the concrete column, but it is designed with the stresses in mind. The reinforcing steel takes a lot of the load during the placement process.