But the question remains: specifically, why are helical screw piles so useful for remedial foundation repair and foundation underpinning in the UK?
What is a helical screw pile?
A helical screw pile is a modular foundation system with helical bearing plates (known as screw helices) attached to a central shaft. Notably, the load of the building is primarily transferred through the pile to the ground and onto these helices.
Importantly, the plates don’t auger the soil but rather screw into it with minimal disruption. The helical plates are located on the piles’ first section, referred to as the “lead” or “starter” section. The lead can consist of one to four helices, but additionally, extra helices can be added with helical extensions. Modular extensions further allow the lead section to penetrate the soil-bearing strata until the required torque is met.
So, that’s the “what,” but now let’s focus on the “why” helical screw piles are such a popular choice…
Why engineers and contractors choose helical screw pile underpinning
The foundation repair market has many options, however, screw pile underpinning offers several key advantages over those choices:
- Convenient – they are installed with standard construction equipment. Manly with hand-held equipment around domestic houses or with standard 1,3 & 5ton excavators
- Immediate loading – no waiting for concrete to cure
- Versatile – limited access sites, high water tables, weak surface soils, and TPO, root-protected areas. Our screw piles are a tree-friendly piling solution
- No excavation or spoil removal. So, nothing comes out of the ground which also gives significant savings when piling in contaminated ground
- No vibration – won’t disturb neighbouring structures, underground sewers, services or electrical cables. Furthermore, the piles can be installed within 150mm to these services
- Year-round installation – even in rain and mucky wet soils
- Reduced labour costs save money because you will use a smaller installation team
- Removable and reusable, and 100% recycled material is used to manufacture the screw piles. This notably makes them a sustainable method of piling
- Pre-engineered – consistent and predictable results, no matter what the soil reports and ground conditions are
If you’re considering screw pile underpinning 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.
We provide what you need for project success
For many years, CHANCE helical piles have been the helical of choice. When your choose CHANCE helical piles you can trust they are backed by strong, technical expertise. Furthermore, they give you the performance of concrete without the drawbacks and liabilities of driven piles and drilled shafts. Additionally, Helical Piles are designed to resist loads for most foundation applications. They install fast and with lightweight, standard equipment.
UK, CHANCE helical screw piles are the clear choice for effective foundation repair and underpinning.
Customer Review
“Brian and his crew were fantastic on so many levels. Great advice, Amazingly experienced and knowledgeable, and a superb crew who delivered exactly as per the spec. If you have any job that involves screw-piles, however difficult, Brian and his team are the team to call“.
Daniel Young