Discover: How Do Screw Piles Work?

When embarking on the journey of building your dream home or business establishment, one crucial question arises: how do you ensure a foundation that guarantees stability and long-term performance?

With a variety of options available, making the right choice is essential for project success. This is where screw piles step in as an innovative, reliable solution. Understanding how screw piles work is essential if your project demands a reliable foundation—after all, a strong build starts from the ground up. 

Let’s explore how helical piers work and why they might be the perfect fit for your next project.

Here's why understanding how helical piers work helps in the success of your construction project:

Project Suitability

Knowing how screw piles work helps assess whether they’re the right fit for your project. Whatever soil type your site has, sandy, clay or mixed soils, understanding this foundation type ensures your plans run smoothly.

Cost Efficiency

A bit of knowledge about screw piles can go a long way in planning your budget. By understanding their installation and material costs, you’ll have a better shot at sticking to your budget without unexpected surprises.

Structural Stability

A rock-solid foundation is non-negotiable in any build and knowing the ins and outs of screw piles ensures just that. Proper installation reduces the risk of shifting, sinking or future headaches with structural issues.

Environmental Impact

Australia’s beautiful landscapes deserve to be protected and screw piles come with a tick of approval for being eco-friendly. With minimal excavation required, they produce less soil displacement and disturbance, which is ideal for anyone keen on sustainable building practices.

Reduced Installation Time

Screw piles’ quick installation process can shave days or even weeks off your project timeline, keeping things on track without compromising on quality.

To truly appreciate the helical piers, it’s important to understand their structure and how they function. Discover how screw piles work and why they’re a standout choice for both residential and commercial builds.

Installation Process

It starts with a hydraulic driver that carefully screws the piles into the ground until they hit the perfect depth and stability, which can vary depending on the soil and project requirements. This quick and efficient process means less disruption and faster progress for your build.

Design

Screw piles are steel shafts with one or more helical (spiral) plates attached (think of a giant screw). This unique design allows the pile to twist deep into the ground, creating a sturdy foundation and a firm grip even in tricky soil conditions.

Load-Bearing Mechanism

When installed, helical piers distribute the weight of your structure through the steel shaft and the helical plates into deeper, more stable soil layers. This ensures the load is evenly distributed, preventing any sinking, shifting or sagging.

Here’s a simplified look at the screw piling process to understand how do helical piers work and ensures a strong, reliable foundation for your project.

Site Investigation and Analysis

Before any screw piling happens, a thorough site investigation is essential. Professionals assess the soil type, moisture levels and depth to reach stable layers. This step ensures that the right type and length of screw pile is selected for your specific needs.

Design and Engineering

Once the groundwork is done, the engineering team tailors the design of the screw piles to match your project’s requirements. They consider everything from load demands to site conditions.

Installation Preparation

Once the site is cleared, equipment is set up to ensure smooth and efficient installation. Then the foundation layout is marked, giving a clear guide for where the screw piles need to go.

Screw Pile Installation

Using a hydraulic auger, each screw pile is twisted into the ground until it hits the ideal depth and stability. This process is controlled and precise, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding environment.



Quality Control

Each installed pile undergoes post-installation assessments to confirm it meets safety and stability standards. It’s all about ensuring that your foundation can handle whatever comes its way.

If you’re wondering whether screw piles could be the right choice for your project, screw piling offers versatile solutions for a wide range of construction needs, such as:



Residential Projects

Screw piles are a go-to for Australian homeowners, especially for house foundations, decks and patios. If you’re building on sloped land or an area known for soil instability, screw piles are the reliable foundation solutions you need for peace of mind.

Commercial and Industrial Buildings

Screw piles are perfect for large commercial and industrial structures, distributing weight evenly and maintaining strength over large areas. This is crucial for shopping centres, office blocks and warehouses that see heavy foot traffic or equipment use.

Infrastructure Developments

From bridges to railways and roads, infrastructure projects demand a foundation that won’t let them down. Screw piles provide that dependable base, ensuring these vital structures stand tall and safe over time.

Mining and Resource Industry

Australia’s mining and resource sectors often operate in remote areas with tricky terrain. Screw piles provide fast and effective foundations without the need for extensive site preparation. This keeps projects moving smoothly and reduces logistical hassles.

When it comes to solid foundations and exceptional service, MRN Excavations is your go-to partner! Serving areas including Sydney, Campbelltown, Wollongong and Nowra, our team brings years of experience in helical pier installations. With thorough site analysis and custom designs tailored to your project’s needs, we ensure your foundation is stable, sustainable and expertly installed.

If you're wondering how screw piles work or looking for expert guidance on your next project, we ensure to give you the clarity you deserve, give us a call today!