Screw pile foundations
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Screw pile foundations are a type of pile foundation with a helix near the pile toe so that the piles can be screwed into the ground. The process and concept is similar to screwing into wood.
A screw pile may have more than one helix (also called a screw), depending on the usage and the ground conditions. Generally, more helices are specified if a higher load is required or softer ground in encountered.
[edit] Screw pile foundation installation
Installing screw pile foundations takes considerably less time and machinery and usually costs less than installing a standard concrete foundation. Depending on the size of the piles, a range of different size of plant can be used for the installation, including hand-held machines. In many instances, only one machine is required for a steel, screw pile foundation installation. Screwed piling is installed with a hydraulic torque drive.
[edit] Screw pile usage
Screw pile foundations are the preferred choice for a number of industries. While they were originally developed for the nautical industry, they are now used in rail, road, telecommunications, and civil engineering. Screw piles can bear large tensile and compression loads, so they are often used for masts, signs, and retaining structures.
[edit] Screw pile benefits
Benefits can include:
- Ease of installation (using fewer machines and taking less time).
- Faster installation.
- Lower carbon footprint.
- No need to remove soil from the site.
- Ability to install in close proximity to existing structures.
- Ease of removal when no longer needed.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bored piles.
- Caisson.
- Capping beam.
- Cofferdam.
- Continuous flight auger piles.
- Driven piles.
- End-bearing piles.
- Footings.
- Foundations.
- Geothermal pile foundations.
- Groundworks.
- Ground anchor.
- Grouting in civil engineering.
- Micropiles.
- Pad foundation.
- Pile cap.
- Pile foundations.
- Raft foundation.
- Secant pile wall.
- Sheet piles.
- Socket piles.
- Tension piles.
- Types of pile foundation.
- Vibro-compaction.
- Vibro-replacement.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.




















