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
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.


















