How are Screw Piles Designed and Installed?
September 8, 2022A foundation plays various roles in keeping the whole structure of the property stable and intact.
For one, it can prevent the building from getting damaged right away as the ground moves due to erosion, earthquake, and other natural processes. It can also support the property during a flood and other similar occurrences, preventing it from sinking into the ground unevenly. Aside from supporting the building, the foundation of the property likewise helps in insulating its structural components. It can even keep moisture and even insects out of the property.
Given the importance of the foundation, it should be set up properly. One type of foundation that can be installed in construction projects today is a screw pile foundation.
An Overview of Screw Pile Foundations
Screw pile foundations take advantage of screw piles in setting up the foundation of properties. Screw piles maximise a round steel shaft, with one or more helical bearing blades or helices welded into the former. The number of helixes depends heavily on property load and soil requirements. These parts should also maximise consistent pitch.
The screw piles are normally screwed into the ground, the same way screws are bolted and twisted into the wood. Once they have reached the target depth, they are subsequently filled with concrete to lock them in place. Reinforcement will then be added to extend the capacity of the piles, connecting them optimally to the building structure above the ground.
Designing and Installing the Screw Piles
Before screw piles are generated, engineers should conduct a geotechnical investigation and analysis first. Once soil data has been attained, they will use empirical methods outlined in foundation engineering manuals to design screw piles that can match the identified soil and ground qualities. Some specifications that engineers must consider and prioritise in designing the screw piles are shaft length, shaft diameter, shaft, thickness, number of helices, the diameter of helices, and thickness of helices.
Once screw piles have matched the soil and ground qualities of the project, they can now be installed by professionals. Most of the time, professionals would maximise hydraulic equipment pieces and tools to install screw piles. If they will be installing light-capacity screw piles, they would often turn to portable hydraulic torsion bars or towers, skid steers, mini excavators, and utility sector-style auger trucks. As for high-capacity screw piles, they would maximise large excavators modified with drill rigs.
One thing that is important about these tools is they should have the proper swing resistance, auxiliary hydraulic flow and pressure, downward axial force, and break-out force.
Screw Pile Foundation Key Advantages
There are many advantages associated to screw pile foundations. For one, screw piles can be installed in a very short time as they do not require pre-drilling. Another advantage of screw pile foundations is they do not generate noise and vibrations during their installation, preventing disruptions to neighbouring properties. Screw pile foundations are likewise advantageous to properties as they can be installed in deep areas. They can also be installed in all sizes and any type of land. Ultimately, they can last for decades, making them extremely cost-effective.
To find out more about screw pile foundations, you may call us at 02 9516-5093. You may also fill out our Enquiry Form.
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