Screw pile foundations

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[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] Find out more

[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.
• Vibro-compaction.
• Vibro-replacement.

[edit] External references

• The Federation of Piling Specialists.