Four Planning Precautions for Installing Screw Piling
Posted on: 23 March 2020
If you are preparing for construction, you should consider using screw piles for your foundation. Screw piles are highly versatile and can be used for both commercial and residential structures. These elements are beneficial because they do not require curing. Therefore, the construction process will be fast. Other benefits include minimal vibration and rapid mobilisation. Here are some simple tips to help you plan for the installation of screw piling.
Acquire the Equipment
It is important to acquire the right equipment for the placement of the screw piles. In general, screw piles do not require specialised equipment like shaft rigs or a pile hammer attached to a crane. The foundation-building process can be conducted using basic construction machines. Therefore, you can acquire a track excavator or even a compact excavator with a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor should, ideally, be optimally sized and have high torque and low speeds. This type of equipment is beneficial because mobilisation will be easy and fast.
Check the Load Capacity
When using screw piles, it is essential to calculate the load which will be exerted on the foundation. This will ensure that the building will be strong and stable. Screw piling is favourable over alternative methods because loading can be immediate. There is no wait period required as with other foundation elements like driven piles where the excess water must dissipate before proceeding. Also, the load-bearing capacity of screw piles is exceptional if the rating is calculated properly. This is because the strength of the piles increases with time.
Evaluate the Ground
It is crucial to evaluate ground conditions on your construction site before designing and installing screw piles. The condition of the soil will determine the weight-bearing capacity of the foundation. Screw piles can be placed in diverse types of subsurface materials, including sand and clay. If you understand the ground conditions, you can design the most appropriate piling for your needs. However, you should keep in mind that screw piles might not be suitable for gravel and cobble sites. The piling might not also be usable in areas with a rocky subsurface.
Consider the Costs
Finally, the costs of the installation of screw piles for a foundation should be calculated before the construction work begins. When budgeting for the project, you must consider all aspects of the work, including the cost of equipment hire, the design and fabrication of the screw piles and the services of a qualified contractor.
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