Screw pile and helical pile foundations are a versatile and cost-effective solution for a wide variety of deep foundation needs. They are quick and easy to install, cause minimal disruption to the surrounding environment, and can be used in a variety of soil conditions. If you are considering using screw pile or helical pile foundations for your next project, be sure to consult with an experienced foundation contractor.
Screw Pile Foundation and Helical Pile Foundation
Screw pile and helical pile foundations are deep foundation systems that are used to support a wide variety of structures, including buildings, bridges, and decks. They are both types of displacement piles, which means that they are installed by rotating them into the ground, displacing the soil as they go.
Screw Pile Foundation
Screw piles are made of steel shafts with helical blades welded to them. The blades help to anchor the pile in the ground and to transfer the load of the structure to the soil. Screw piles are typically installed using a hydraulic torque motor, which is attached to an excavator.
Helical Pile Foundation
Helical piles are similar to screw piles, but they have helical plates welded to the shaft instead of blades. Helical plates are more efficient at transferring the load of the structure to the soil, so they can be used in softer soils than screw piles. Helical piles are also typically installed using a hydraulic torque motor.
Advantages of Screw Pile and Helical Pile Foundations
Screw pile and helical pile foundations have a number of advantages over other types of deep foundation systems are:
Quick and easy installation
Screw pile and helical pile foundations can be installed much more quickly and easily than other types of deep foundation systems, such as concrete drilled shafts. This is because they do not require any excavation or concrete mixing.
Minimal disruption to the surrounding environment
The installation of screw pile and helical pile foundations causes minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. This is because they do not require any excavation and they produce very little noise.
Versatility
Screw pile and helical pile foundations can be used in a wide variety of soil conditions, including loose sand and soft clay. They can also be used in areas with limited access, such as steep slopes and floodplains.
Durability
Screw pile and helical pile foundations are made of durable materials that are resistant to corrosion and weathering. This means that they can last for many years without needing to be replaced.
Applications of Screw Pile and Helical Pile Foundations
Screw pile and helical pile foundations are used to support a wide variety of structures are:
- Buildings
- Bridges
- Decks
- Fences
- Signs
- Solar panels
- Wind turbines
- Retaining walls
- Shoring systems
- Underpinning