Our Top Reasons For Using Screw Piles Over Concrete Underpinning

When it comes to the construction and foundation of a building, there are a variety of different materials and methods that can be used to ensure a strong and solid base. One of the preferred methods of foundation installation is using screw piles over concrete underpinning. There are a variety of benefits to using this method, some of which include faster installation, lower cost, less disruption to existing structures, easier access to limited spaces, and greater load bearing capabilities. This article will explore the top ten reasons for using screw piles over concrete underpinning.

Faster Installation Process

Installing screw piles is a much quicker process than traditional concrete underpinning, allowing you to get the job done in a fraction of the time! Screw piles are easier to install as they are driven into the ground with a hydraulic torque motor, rather than having to be dug and poured like concrete. This means that the installation process is much quicker and requires less labour. Screw piles can also be installed in much tighter spaces, as they are much smaller than concrete piers. This can be a major advantage in areas where access is limited. Additionally, if there is a need to make changes or adjustments, this can be done quickly without having to break and re-pour concrete. This makes them an ideal choice for projects that require a fast turnaround.

Lower Cost

For those looking to save on cost, screw pile underpinning offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional concrete underpinning. Screw piles are typically less expensive than concrete underpinning, as they can be driven into the ground with much less labor and time. This means that the installation process for screw piles is generally faster and more cost-effective than concrete underpinning. Additionally, screw piles are often made from steel or other durable materials, meaning that they are more resistant to damage over time, and less likely to require costly repairs or replacement in the future. This can further reduce the overall cost of screw pile underpinning compared to concrete underpinning.

Less Disruption to Existing Structures

You can save on disruption to existing structures by using screw pile underpinning instead of concrete underpinning. Screw pile underpinning is less disruptive than concrete underpinning because it requires fewer adjustments and modifications to existing foundation systems. This makes it easier to install and less likely to cause damage to the existing foundation, walls, and floors. Since less disruption is needed, it also means that the overall installation time is shorter. Additionally, because screw piles can be pre-fabricated, they can be installed quickly, saving time and money.

What’s more, screw piles are less likely to cause vibration or noise when being installed, so there is less disruption to nearby residents and businesses. This makes the installation process more efficient, since it does not require special permits or costly noise-reduction techniques. Furthermore, since the installation process is quicker, less manpower is required, reducing costs. All of these factors make screw pile underpinning a more attractive option for people looking to avoid disruption to existing structures.

Easier to Access Limited Spaces

Using screw pile underpinning instead of concrete underpinning makes it easier to access limited spaces, so you can get the job done quickly and with minimal disruption. Screw piles are much more compact and able to drive into tight spaces, making them ideal for jobs where space is at a premium. The installation of screw piles is also much faster than installing concrete underpinning, as they don’t require a large area to be cleared and levelled. Additionally, they don’t require the use of a concrete truck, which saves time and resources. This makes screw piles the perfect choice for accessing limited spaces, as they can be installed quickly and with minimal disruption.

The process of screw pile installation is also much simpler than concrete underpinning. It requires a much smaller excavation area and the installation process is much faster. This means that the job can be done in a fraction of the time that it would take for concrete underpinning. Additionally, screw piles can be installed in areas with limited access, such as narrow passages or confined spaces. This makes it ideal for jobs that require access to limited or difficult to reach spaces, as the screw piles can be installed quickly and with minimal disruption.

Greater Load Bearing Capabilities

You’ll benefit from greater load-bearing capabilities when you use screw piles instead of concrete underpinning. Screw piles can be used to provide greater load-bearing capabilities than concrete underpinning, as they are designed to take on heavier weights. This is especially true of screw piles that are constructed with deeper foundations. These deeper foundations are able to spread the weight of the structure over a larger area, resulting in a higher load-bearing capacity. Additionally, screw piles can be adjusted to suit the specific load-bearing needs of a structure, while concrete underpinning is limited to a fixed position. This gives the user the ability to customize the load-bearing capabilities of the screw pile, which can be advantageous in certain situations. In contrast, concrete underpinning is generally limited to a single load-bearing capacity.

Using Screw Piles Over Concrete Underpinning – Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil is most suitable for screw pile underpinning?

Screw pile underpinning is an effective and efficient way to reinforce or strengthen foundations, particularly in soil that is less than ideal for traditional concrete foundations. The most suitable soils for screw pile underpinning are those that are cohesive and non-cohesive, such as silt and clay. Loose, sandy soils, which tend to shift and settle, are less suitable for screw pile underpinning. In order for screw pile underpinning to be most effective, the soil must be able to support the weight of the structure.

Are screw piles suitable for use in areas with high water tables?

Screw piles are not typically suitable for use in areas with high water tables. This is because the water table, the top of which is determined by the elevation of the water in the soil, can cause the piles to be unstable when they are placed too deep, as the piles must be driven into the ground to support the building. Additionally, the high water table can cause corrosion of the piles over time, leading to a weakened and less secure foundation. Therefore, if a high water table is present, concrete underpinning is usually the more suitable option.

What is the maximum depth of a screw pile?

Screw piles can be installed to depths greater than those of conventional foundation methods. The maximum depth of a screw pile varies depending on the size, type, and material of the pile. Generally, screw piles can be installed up to depths of 30 feet or more. However, for more demanding applications, specialized screw pile technology can be used to drive piles up to depths of over 100 feet. As such, screw piles are an ideal choice for deep foundation applications.

Does screw pile underpinning require specialist equipment?

Screw pile underpinning does not require specialist equipment, and is typically installed with a hydraulic torque motor, which is easily operated. This makes screw pile underpinning a cost-effective and efficient solution when compared to concrete underpinning, which requires a more expensive machine and more labor time. The installation process is also much simpler and faster than concrete underpinning, as it does not require digging and the installation of large foundations. Furthermore, screw pile underpinning is much more flexible than concrete underpinning, as it can be adjusted and moved easily. This makes it an ideal choice for areas with limited access or difficult terrain.

How long does screw pile underpinning typically take?

Screw pile underpinning is a relatively quick and simple underpinning solution compared to other methods such as concrete underpinning. The installation process typically takes one to two days, depending on the complexity of the job. During the installation process, specialist equipment is used to ensure that the piles are installed correctly and securely. Once the piles are in place, the rest of the project can proceed relatively quickly. This makes screw pile underpinning an ideal choice for projects with tight deadlines that require secure foundations.

Using Screw Piles Over Concrete Underpinning – Conclusion

In conclusion, screw piles offer a number of advantages over concrete underpinning. They are much faster to install, and can be accessed in even the most limited spaces. They are also less expensive, and have greater load bearing capabilities. Furthermore, they cause less disruption to existing structures, making them an ideal choice for many construction and renovation projects. All in all, screw piles are a great option for anyone looking for a cost-effective, reliable underpinning solution.