Piles are arranged in framework (8)
I believe the answer is:
espalier
'framework' is the definition.
(espalier is a kind of framework)
'piles are arranged' is the wordplay.
'arranged' is an anagram indicator.
'piles'+'are'='pilesare'
'pilesare' is an anagram of 'ESPALIER'.
'in' is the link.
(Other definitions for espalier that I've seen before include "Lattice-work for tree-training" , "train a plant" , "Trellis to train shrubs to grow flat" , "Trellis on which to train a flat fruit tree" , "Tree trained against a wall; pear lies (anag.)" .)