Helical Screw Piles, the Perfect Foundation System
Perfect for a variety of foundation work, Helical Screw Piles are becoming increasingly popular as a foundation solution due to their versatility, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. They are favoured for both new construction and foundation repair, especially in challenging soil conditions this allows them to be applied across a variety of areas and industries.
A Versatile and Cost Effective Soultion
Helical Screw Piles are steel shafts with low-pitched circular plates welded along their length. A steel load transfer grillage connects the piles, which are screwed into the ground using a hydraulic or electric drill. This fast, efficient process often makes concrete foundations unnecessary. One of the biggest advantages is cost—helical screw piles are relatively inexpensive due to their quick installation and minimal material requirements compared to traditional concrete foundations.
Versatile, lower costing and greener than many other options available, our helical screw piles come in a number of different thicknesses, lengths and sizes.
This makes them perfect for a whole array of applications including building, civil and transport work.
The Benefits of Helical Piles
- Easy and fast to install
- Low cost in comparison to alternatives
- Concrete is not required which as positive impact on cost and environmental factors
- They can be easily reused
- Installation is fast and also very quiet.
Factors for Installation
- Utilised in all soil
- Used at angles of up to 45 degrees
- Fantastic for supporting structures
- Can be used on embankments
- Are ideal for low temperature use, unlike concrete
- We can provide custom made solutions to fit with a variety of requirements
Helical Screw Pile Foundations Contractors
If you’re considering helical piles for your project, we’d be delighted to discuss your options. Contact us at Ground Sun to learn more about how we can support your foundation needs.
Why Use Helical Screw Piles?
At Ground Sun, we offer a wide range of helical pile styles designed to adapt to various ground conditions, making them an incredibly versatile foundation solution.
Helical screw piles stand out as one of the fastest foundation systems to install, with exceptionally quick and efficient installation times. They can be installed quietly and without the need for large machinery, making them ideal for sites with restricted access—an advantage over traditional cement-based alternatives.
The growing interest in helical pile technology reflects its numerous benefits, including cost efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and adaptability across diverse foundation applications.
A Helical Screw Pile Compliant with Building Regulations
Ground Sun’s AB CHANCE® Helical Screw Pile foundations are supported by established technical data and can be designed to meet relevant structural and Building Control requirements, subject to project-specific engineering and approval. The system provides a low-disturbance, high-capacity foundation solution suitable for restricted-access sites, areas close to trees and roots, and a wide range of residential, commercial and infrastructure applications. Find out more about the benefits of using Helical Piles. Installation records, torque data and testing information can be provided to support the design and approval process, while the system’s technical documentation can also assist with structural warranty requirements where applicable.
Customer Review
“The team at Ground Sun is truly exceptional. From the outset, they provided invaluable guidance and assistance, working closely with the council on our behalf to ensure the project progressed smoothly. Brian’s expertise in ground conditions and site levels is remarkable. The crew on site was outstanding—they simply got on with the task at hand, and in under a day, the entire Helical screw pile system was installed without any mess or complications.
The project posed some challenges due to the site’s varying ground conditions, including large oak trees, a sloping landscape, and diverse soil types. Minimising the environmental impact on the trees was a key concern. However, despite this, they managed to install a durable, non-invasive screw pile system with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. We now have 11 Helical screw piles in place, ready for our office conversion and elevated decking at the rear. I would not hesitate to recommend Ground Sun for any innovative project requiring screw pile foundations”.
C Mackim – Essex
A Closer Look at Helical Screw Pile Foundations
Historical Analysis
During the early development days of the screw pile anchor, the load resistance of an installed anchor couldn’t be predicted accurately. Specific information on soil conditions was missing. This meant the anchor selection was more or less a guess. With little consideration for soil variations, the effects of seasonal weather changes or drainage, soils were classified as: either sand, clay, hardpan or bog. At that time, there was not a definitive explanation for the soil conditions.
Initially, it was necessary to obtain soil samples from the anchor depth. This was in order to classify the soil and to make anchor recommendations. However, this method was inconvenient, expensive and time-consuming. AB CHANCE® soil classification data enabled more accurate anchor holding capacity predictions.
Soil Probe; a Logical Development
Engineers developed the “soil test probe”. This is a mechanical tool which makes it possible to infer subsoil conditions from the surface of the earth. The soil test probe is screwed into the soil. As it displaces the soil, probe installation torque is measured in inch-pounds on a torque gauge, which is an essential part of the installing tool. Probe torque readings are then compared with the information on the AB CHANCE soil classification data chart and translated into the appropriate soil classification.
PISA®: Power-Installed Screw Anchors
More than 50 years ago, utilizing the power of digging equipment to install screw anchors was introduced. The system consists of a screw anchor, anchor rod and a special installing wrench. Each anchor has a galvanized steel threaded anchor rod with an upset hex; single or twin helices and a galvanized guy wire nut. The nut is screwed to the anchor rod end. Power Installed Screw Anchors (PISA®) can be installed in a matter of minutes.
Torque and Performance of Helical Piles
Later, the installation method was enhanced with the development of AB CHANCE® torque indicators and holding capacity values for specific anchor types, simplifying soil classification data. Utility workers can now install PISA anchors to a given torque value and predict holding capacity with relative accuracy. This correlation between torque and anchor performance required extensive testing across the U.S. and significant investment in research and development.
Screw anchors are designed for maximum torsional strength, but during installation, excess torque can exceed the anchor’s capacity. Some torque measured by indicators is lost to friction along the wrench and not applied directly to the anchor.
Anchors are rated by maximum working torque or, in newer designs, by the 5% exclusion limit. This is based on statistical quality control testing. Both ratings account for material and manufacturing variations as well as frictional loss along the wrench. These factors are critical in determining the safe torque application during installation.
AB CHANCE ratings reflect minimum credible torsional strength. This approach differs from manufacturers who base their ratings on average strength. Predicted holding capacities, derived from extensive AB CHANCE testing, serve as a guide but are not guaranteed for specific soil conditions.. Users must consider appropriate safety factors.
Torque values provided represent consistent readings in homogeneous soils, averaged over the last two feet of penetration. Proper alignment of the anchor shaft with the guy load is essential to avoid premature rod failure.