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Are Helical Piles Environmentally Friendly?

February 1, 2017 3:48 pm

There are several advantages to using a helical pile foundation to support your structure; they are quicker to install than typical concrete foundations, they have reduced overall costs and they are also more environmentally friendly than other options. Originally, helical piles were used around 200 years ago but as their benefits come to light, they are being used more and more in recent years. Helical piles are environmentally friendly and economical in many ways, making them a desirable option for a deep foundation. Upon installation, helical piles produce less noise pollution than driven piles and there is very little (if any) vibration of the ground, which is quite important when installing in environmentally sensitive areas, such as historical sites or...

Screwfast’s Alternative to Conventional Solutions

September 30, 2016 1:37 pm

As a team of innovators and critical thinkers which continues to deliver results originated in extensive experience and specialist knowledge, Screwfast is at the forefront of technology and practical application across a wide range of sectors. Working across the board with leading organisations and visionaries throughout all major infrastructure sectors, including rail, energy, roads, civils and commercial sectors, Screwfast provide conventional and innovational foundation solutions and offer expertise in: Foundation solutions Full earthworks and groundworks packages Specialist design and specification services Since 2000, Screwfast have continued to deliver quality services and carefully considered routes to success in the implementation of a variety of projects; the delivery of which are based always, on speed, budget and the provision of excellence in...

Screwfast Traditional Design and Build Services

September 15, 2016 1:36 pm

As innovators in their field, the team at Screwfast are proud of a track record which reflects an inimitable style of delivery; theirs is an approach which above all, focuses on delivering a full range of solutions to clients in a variety of sectors and delivering those solutions with an attention to detail and a whole-picture approach unique to the company. Screwfast provides traditional design and build services which have been honed, fine-tuned and calculated to simplify as well as to unify the various flows of work for the diverse projects which they undertake, from concept through to completion. The company is made up of an exceptional team of talented professionals, each with a highly developed skillset and experience spanning...

Why is Concrete Bad for the Environment?

July 22, 2016 10:32 am

Concrete is still widely used in the building industry as a result of its strength. It’s typically utilised in the building of most construction types including houses, tunnels and public buildings. Concrete and cement are often spoken of as though they were one and the same thing but cement is merely a part of concrete, a quantity of its whole together with sand, gravel and water. Cement is the binder within concrete and it’s what keeps the whole mixture together, lending strength and durability. Because we can’t speak of concrete without discussing cement, we must therefore look at why cement is an issue for the environment. Why Cement is the Issue Second only to coal-powered electricity, the manufacture of cement...

Helical Screw Piles May Prevent Earthquake Structural Damage

February 9, 2016 8:31 am

A recent ongoing study on helical screw piles led by the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI), which began in May 2015, may help initiate changes to the International Building Code (IBC).  Specifically, it seeks to demonstrate the structural value of using helical screw piles as foundation solutions in areas with high seismic activity.  Let’s look further at the study and what it hopes to accomplish. What is the Helical Pile Seismic Research Study? This study will measure and test the structural integrity of helical pile installations against seismic activity.  This 2 year, 7 month study is being led by Dr. Amy Cerato at the University of Oklahoma. How is the Helical Pile Research Study Being Run? This study is being run...

ScrewFast Team assists student in gaining a 1st class dissertation!

September 8, 2015 12:02 pm

ScrewFast were approached by an enthusiastic student, hoping to write a dissertation about The Benefits of Screw Piling. Mark Howe, who is also a Junior Engineer at Osborne Construction joined the ScrewFast Management Team for a day where he learned about the methods and benefits of screw piling.  The team provided a number of documents, case studies and ongoing assistance where required, helping him to complete his dissertation and achieve a 1st! We would like to congratulate Mark on his achievement and wish him every success in the future. ScrewFast are keen to continue to support the ongoing development of the UK’s young Engineers and are extremely pleased with Mark’s achievement.  

ScrewFast assists Osborne Junior Engineer to achieve top marks!

November 20, 2014 1:54 pm

ScrewFast have assisted Mark Howe, a Junior Engineer from Osborne, a leading UK Civils contractor with his dissertation.  Mark spent time with ScrewFast researching the design, fabrication and installation of screwpiles and has been awarded a distinction for his efforts! ScrewFast are proud to assist with Mark’s achievement and will be closely watching his future progress.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Screw Piles

November 12, 2014 1:57 pm

You already know that screw piling is a technique for building foundations in a variety of soil types.  Here are 5 facts about it that may surprise you… 1.  Screw Piles are perhaps the most underrated foundation engineering feat of the 19th century   Screw Piles enabled lighthouses to be built in shallow water under challenging soil conditions.  At a time with limited engineering techniques, these lighthouses were an integral part of getting ships to harbour safely.  Screw  piles also enabled  bridges and  piers to be constructed in varying soil density, which changed the recreation patterns of society and boosted the economy. Towards the  end of the century, screw piles were also used to prevent existing foundations from sinking, such...

Foundations for the Olympics – Our Statistics

April 3, 2014 5:01 pm

Lee Valley – 12,000 seats, 1067 piles to 8m. (8.5 kilometres of tube installed, uninstalled and recycled) Eton Dorney – 500 seats, 61 piles Hadleigh Farm – 500 seats, 190 piles BMX – 2000 seats, 118 piles Water Polo Venue – The building housed the pool and 5000 seats. 405 piles to average of 8.5m (3.5 kilometres of tube installed, uninstalled and recycled) Note all sites were installed, uninstalled and recycled. We provided foundations for 20,000 temporary seats at the Olympics.

Design Smart Motorways

April 3, 2014 5:00 pm

ScrewFast Foundations were appointed by Costain, on behalf on the Highways Agency, to undertake the detailed design of 70 no. helical pile and Grip pile foundations for the M1 J28-31.  Structures encompassing MS4’s, MS3’s and Portal Gantries. The scope of works also includes the production of Approval in Principle, Departure From Standard and Geotechnical Design Report Addendum documentation.  The design work got underway In December 2013 and is scheduled to be completed by July 2014.