Reinforcement unit for a reinforcing a footing element when laying pile foundations with a pile, and method for placing a foundation pile and reinforcement of a footing element

A foundation pile including a footing element which is reinforced with a reinforcement unit for reinforcing the footing element when laying pile foundations with the foundation pile and at least one through-going longitudinal cavity, comprising:

• shaped and articulated reinforcement members that are pivotally connected to a centrally arranged, annular element, so that the reinforcement unit has a folded mounting position and an extended position of use, and the reinforcement unit is connected to the foundation pile by at least one tension member, wherein the reinforcement unit in the folded mounting position passes through the at least one through-going longitudinal cavity of the foundation pile, the footing element including a pile foot and the reinforcement unit or the pile foot being covered with the foundation pile with the at least one tension member, the at least one tension member including at least one free section between a lower edge of the foundation pile and the pile foot.