Building a foundation is the most crucial part to focus on. Any construction project will primarily demand a strong and reliable foundation. The method that has gained great popularity and recognition among the builders is screw piling. This method can be widely used for residential buildings to large-scale infrastructures, because of its ideal efficiency and reliability.
In comparison to traditional foundation methods, screw piling offers numerous advantages for the construction. It carries a unique design and effortless installation process, which makes it suitable for diverse construction projects.
Undoubtedly, screw piling is an effective foundation system compared to others. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive guide about screw piling, its advantages, applications, and installation process.
What is Screw Piling?
Screw piling is the most popular foundation method that provides competitive support to the structures. It involves installing long, hollow steel pipes with one or more helical plates into the ground. The plates are rotated using a hydraulic motor, providing a screw-like effect that anchors the pile into the soil. A screw pile consists of various components, each performing a different role.
A screw pile has several parts, each with a specific job:
- The shaft is the main part of the pile, made from strong steel, and it helps carry the structure’s weight to the ground.
- The helical plate, attached to the shaft, is shaped like a large drill bit. It keeps the pile stable in the soil.
- The pile cap sits on top of the pile, spreading the weight evenly across the structure.
Application of Screw Piles
Screw piles can be used in various scenarios of construction. Let’s see them in detail:
Infrastructure Projects: Screw piling is primarily known for laying a reliable foundation that improves the strength of structures, which are subjected to carry heavy loads. It works well in various infrastructure projects, such as highways, tunnels, bridges and more. Beyond extreme support, they are actively working against ground movement and subsidence.
Residential Construction: Screw piling is a reliable and budget-friendly option for residential construction projects. Because they are simple and easy to install, ideal for single-family homes, multi-family homes, and townhouses. It requires very minimal site preparation and extends the lifespan of the building.
Commercial Construction: Screw piling plays a paramount role in commercial construction projects, including industrial buildings, offices, and retail stores. These types of projects involve carrying heavy loads and require a strong and durable foundation. However, it can be installed quickly, reducing the construction time and saving the overall project costs.
Solar Panel: The helical plates attached to the screw pile anchor a foundation. They offer a stable and secure base for installing the solar panels. No matter how harsh the weather condition would be, screw piles are highly resistant to ground movements and subsidence.
How do Screw Piles Work?
Screw piles are long, cylindrical steel pipes with helical plates attached to the outside. In that, the size and number of helices used in the process depend on several factors, including the total load and the soil condition.
The helical plates act as an anchor that rotates into the ground according to the level that the job needs. When the piles are in place, they must be filled with concrete or grout to provide strong and reliable support to the structures.
Screw Piling Installation Process
Just like a screw drilled into the wood, these screw piles are twisted into the ground. This means that the installation process involves rotation; however, it depends on various factors. They include the size of the helical piles, the condition of the ground, the depth you need to screw, and the space you need to operate.
If it is a modest home project, it can be managed easily with a simple installation kit. In order to handle large-scale commercial or infrastructure projects, heavy groundwork machines like excavators are required.
Advantages of Screw Piling
Screw piling is an innovative solution that offers several advantages to the construction projects over traditional foundation methods. They include:
Simple and Speedy Installation: Screw piling carries a speedy installation process, reducing the construction time and overall project costs. Unlike other foundation methods, they don’t need any heavy machinery like excavators when handling small-scale projects like residential buildings. It typically reduces the site noise and disruption.
Versatile: Screw piling is extremely versatile and capable of being used in a wide range of soil conditions, like rock, clay, and sand. It can be installed even in tight spaces with the support of appropriate equipment, making them ideal for constrained construction sites.
dEnhanced Safety: Screw piling is a safer alternative to other pile foundation methods. The installation process is simple and quick and requires less excavation. It typically reduces the injuries and chances of accidents on the construction site.
Year-Round Installation: Screw piling can be installed at any time without worrying about the weather conditions. It is not compulsory that the soil needs to be in dry condition for a proper installation. Screw piles can work efficiently in wet or frozen ground, creating no more impact on the construction schedule.
Lower Environmental Impact: The screw piling process is environmentally friendly, resulting in less soil disturbance and environmental footprint of construction. The installation process requires very little excavation, as it can be removed and reused in other projects.
Disadvantages of Screw Piling
Screw piles are quite advantageous over other systems, yet they also have some potential drawbacks, such as:
- Screw piles can work efficiently in many soil types, but they are limited in grain size. The sizes larger than 60% are typical to manage.
- Installation processes require precise torque control, which needs the support of specialised equipment and trained professionals. Poor installation can lead to various issues.
- Applying too much torque can compromise the integrity, so that shouldn’t exceed the limit.
Final Wordings
Screw piles have been widely used in construction projects for more than two hundred years. Traditionally, they have been seen in railways and building roads. The application is gradually increasing from residential buildings to large-scale infrastructure projects. The biggest advantage is easy installation with less excavation. If you are planning to build any type of construction project, then consider this as a wise option.