Helical Screw Piling: What Is It and How Does It Work?

When it comes to building, it all starts from the ground up. Screw piling is a process that is fundamental for creating stable foundations for many construction projects.

In this blog post, we will delve into helical screw piling, covering what this method is, how it works and the key benefits of screw pile installation.

What Are Helical Screw Piles?

Screw piles, also known as helical piles or helical screw piles, are strong galvanised steel shafts that are inserted into the ground in a rotating motion, sort of like a corkscrew that is driven into the ground. Once in place, the piles are filled with concrete or grout and attached to the structure. This provides structural support to foundations that may have challenging soil conditions or sloping land.

A screw pile foundation is made up of three main parts:

The Shaft: The long, cylindrical shaft forms the main body of the screw that is inserted into the ground.
The Screw Thread: Also known as the helical plane, the screw thread is the spiral component that keeps the screw pile firmly anchored in the ground.
The Bracket: The top part of the screw pile that connects your building to the foundations.

How Does Screw Piling Enhance Building Stability?

Ground piles are inserted deep into the ground, far below the soft soil layers, into the firm soil, creating a firm anchoring point. When the screw pile is installed here, the weight of the building is distributed more evenly, enhancing stability and preventing sinking or moving over time.

Once the foundation has been screw piled, your building sits securely on top of the pile using the specialist brackets, creating a stable foundation that is protected from ground moisture and movement.

The Benefits of Helical Screw Piles

Screw piling has been used for nearly two hundred years as it is a highly effective and convenient option for many construction projects. Let’s take a look at their significant advantages.

Quick Installation

Helical screw pile installation is a time-efficient process that usually takes a matter of hours rather than days. Unlike traditional concrete foundations, screw foundations eliminate the need for trench excavation and concrete curing time, allowing construction to begin immediately after pile installation.

Cost-Effective

Screw piles are highly cost-effective in comparison with traditional foundation projects. It eliminates the need for skip hire and waste removal services, minimises groundwork and excavation, and requires relatively little machinery and equipment to perform, leading to significant cost savings.

Environmentally Friendly

Screw foundations can be removed and reused, enables normal water draining, has minimal impact on wildlife and generates minimal waste, making it a much more environmentally friendly alternative to concrete foundations.

Below Ground

With over 25 years of experience, at Below Ground Ltd, we provide screw piling and underpinning services across the South of England. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements.

How Deep Do Piles Need to Be?

Determining the appropriate depth for pile foundations is crucial for the stability and longevity of any structure. At Belowground, a leading piling company serving England and Wales, we understand that several factors influence this decision.

Factors Influencing Pile Depth

Determining the correct pile depth is essential for ensuring a stable and durable foundation. Various factors influence this, from soil composition to structural load requirements. Understanding these elements helps piling contractors design the most effective solution for each project. Below, we explore the key considerations that affect how deep piles need to be.

Soil Conditions

The type and condition of soil at a construction site significantly impacts the required pile depth. For instance, clay soils, known for their expansive nature, often necessitate deeper foundations, typically ranging from 0.9m to 1.5m. In contrast, rocky or gravelly soils, which offer higher load-bearing capacities, may require shallower piles, approximately 0.45m to 0.6m deep.

Structural Load

The weight and design of the structure play a pivotal role in determining pile depth. Larger, heavier structures, such as commercial buildings, generally require deeper piles to adequately support the increased load. Conversely, smaller residential projects might be sufficiently supported by shallower foundations.

Proximity to Trees and Existing Structures

Nearby trees can affect soil moisture levels, leading to ground movement. The presence of large trees (over 15m tall) may necessitate foundation depths of up to 2.5m to counteract potential soil shrinkage and swelling. Additionally, when building adjacent to existing structures, it’s essential to match or exceed their foundation depths to prevent structural imbalances.

Why Choose Belowground for Your Piling Needs?

With over 25 years of experience, Belowground specialises in delivering high-quality piling services tailored to diverse project requirements. Our expertise encompasses various piling techniques, including screw piling, which is effective across all soil types.

If you require piling contractors in Bristol, London, Exeter, or anywhere else in the south of England and Wales, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team is ready to assist you in ensuring your project’s foundations are both robust and reliable.

A Quick Guide to Pile Testing: What You Should Know

Piles are vital structural components in construction, often made of steel or reinforced concrete columns that penetrate the ground. They are designed to support heavy loads and transfer them to deeper, more stable layers of soil, ensuring the integrity and stability of the structure.

Typically, piles are required in situations where the surface soil is too weak or unstable to support the weight of a building. This is common in areas with loose, soft, or highly compressible soils. However, before piles can be implemented, they must undergo testing to verify their load-bearing abilities, which is where pile testing comes in.

Read on to learn more about the importance of pile testing, how it’s performed, and why it’s essential for ensuring stable and reliable foundation support in construction.

What Is Pile Testing?

Pile testing is the process of assessing the performance and characteristics of piles in foundation systems. These tests involve subjecting the piles to a range of conditions to evaluate their structural integrity and understand how they will react to various loads. This process is essential for determining the pile’s load-bearing capacity and ensuring its effectiveness in supporting the structure.

By conducting pile testing, piling contractors can ensure that the piling foundation system is safe and reliable and the building will remain structurally sound when completed.

Why Is Pile Testing Needed?

Pile testing is a necessary procedure in any construction project where piling foundations are needed, ensuring that the pile will adequately support the intended structure.

Given that piles are hidden below the ground during construction, any potential flaws or defects that could compromise the foundation’s structural integrity may go unnoticed. If pile testing is not performed, structural integrity issues stemming from pile irregularities may remain undetected.

Conducting pile testing prior to construction ensures any issues are identified and addressed, preventing any unforeseen problems further down the road.

Common Pile Testing Methods

There are several pile testing services that piling contractors may perform depending on the type of build and the results you are looking for.

Pile Integrity Testing

Pile integrity testing is a quick and highly cost-effective method used to assess the condition of the piles or shafts in a structure. Tools such as Sonic Echo or Transient Dynamic Response are used to detect any potential issues with the integrity of piles, such as defects or discrepancies.

Dynamic Load Testing

Dynamic load testing involves applying a repeated force to the pile head while measuring acceleration and strain to understand how it responds to dynamic forces and motions. This form of pile test can be applied to all pile types.

Static Load Testing

Static load testing is used to check the pile’s ability to bear load by applying a constant load to the pile slowly. Automated testing systems are used to measure displacement caused by the force, enhancing the accuracy of the results gathered.

Piling Contractors in Bristol

At Belowground, we offer comprehensive piling services for all types of foundation construction. As trusted piling contractors in Bristol, we specialise in pile installation and pile testing to ensure stability and strength. Our expert team guarantees safe, reliable foundations, whether for residential or commercial construction projects.

Recognising and Addressing Damage to Your Domestic Foundations

As a homeowner, maintaining the integrity of your property’s foundations is paramount. Domestic foundations support the entire structure, and any compromise can lead to significant issues. At Belowground, with over 25 years of experience as foundation contractors, we specialise in concrete foundation repair across England and Wales. Understanding the early signs of foundation damage can help you address problems promptly, ensuring the longevity and safety of your home.

Common Indicators of Foundation Issues

Identifying foundation issues early can prevent costly repairs and structural damage to your home. While some minor settling is normal, certain signs indicate a more serious problem with your domestic foundations. Below are some key warning signals to watch out for.

Cracks in Walls and Floors

One of the most apparent signs of foundation problems is the appearance of cracks. These can manifest in various forms:

Vertical Cracks: Often resulting from the natural settling of the house.
Horizontal Cracks: These are more concerning as they may indicate external pressure on the foundation, potentially leading to structural issues.
Stair-Step Cracks: Common in brick or masonry walls, suggesting differential settling of the foundation.

It’s essential to monitor these cracks and consult our team of foundation contractors if they widen over time.

Uneven or Sloping Floors

Floors that are no longer level can be a telltale sign of foundation movement. You might notice furniture tilting or feel a slope when walking across a room. This unevenness often results from the foundation settling unevenly, necessitating professional assessment and potential concrete foundation repair.

Doors and Windows Misalignment

If doors and windows begin to stick, jam, or fail to latch properly, it could be due to foundation shifts. As the foundation moves, it can distort the frames, leading to operational difficulties. Regular maintenance might offer temporary relief, but addressing the root cause with foundation contractors is advisable.

Gaps Around Window Frames or Exterior Doors

Visible gaps between window frames or exterior doors and the surrounding walls can indicate foundation issues. These gaps not only affect energy efficiency but also point to structural movement that requires attention.

Sinking or Settling Ground

Observing the ground around your home sinking or pulling away from the foundation is a serious concern. This phenomenon can compromise the stability of your domestic foundations, leading to structural damage. Such signs necessitate immediate consultation with foundation contractors to evaluate the need for underpinning or other remedial measures.

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Foundation

Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your property for the signs mentioned above. Early detection can save time and money on extensive repairs.

Maintain Proper Drainage: Ensure that water drains away from your foundation. Poor drainage can lead to soil erosion or expansion, both of which can affect foundation stability.

Control Vegetation Near Foundations: Tree roots can exert pressure on foundations or absorb moisture from the soil, causing it to shrink. Plant trees and large shrubs away from the foundation to prevent potential damage.

Trust Belowground for Your Foundation Needs

At Belowground, we understand the complexities of foundation issues and offer tailored solutions to address them. Our services include piling, underpinning, and comprehensive concrete foundation repair. Serving homeowners across England and Wales, our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring your home’s stability and safety.

If you’ve noticed any signs of foundation damage or wish to have a professional assessment, don’t hesitate to contact us. With bases in London, Bristol, and Exeter, we’re well-positioned to assist you promptly.

The Impact of Soil Type in Foundation Construction

When building any structure, commercial or residential, you will need a strong foundation to keep it stable and to help it last for years to come. The type of foundation you may need, however, is likely to depend on the type of soil found on your chosen building site, as each type will have different qualities. Discover just how soil types can affect a project’s foundations and why the experts should be consulted in this guide.

Load-Bearing

One of the most important parts of the soil you choose to build upon is its ability to support weight. Structures are not typically lightweight, which means your soil may need a bit more support from foundations to hold the building. Typically, rocky soils will have a high load-bearing capacity, great for foundations. On the other hand, sandy soils are often moderately supportive, however they can shift under heavy loads.

Moisture and Drainage

Poor drainage can cause water to pool, which can weaken the foundation and cause instability. To prevent this, it’s important to consider how soil type manages moisture. Clay soils, for example, often expand when wet and shrink when dry, causing movement in the foundation. Loamy soils, on the other hand, are a great option, as they provide both good drainage and stability.

Erosion and Stability

Another key consideration to make when it comes to the soil you choose to build upon is how external factors might impact it. Erosion-prone soils, for example, can easily shift and fall over time, compromising how stable the structure above is. To prevent the soil from eroding easily, it may be beneficial to add retaining walls or gravel layers.

Expansive and Reactive Soils

Specific soils can react significantly to the local conditions, especially moisture changes. Clay soils, for example, are highly expansive and can cause foundations to rise or settle unevenly. This movement can have a noticeable impact on the property, causing cracks in the walls or sloped floors. Clay soils often require adjustments and special considerations, so it’s best to inform your foundation and piling services provider of the type of soil beforehand.

Our Foundation and Piling Services

If you’re looking to create a strong and stable foundation for your next project, our team of experts at Belowground have the experience and knowledge you need. Our screw foundations, for example, are designed to suit a wide range of soil types, providing a secure base for your property.

Please visit our website to discover more about us and our services here at Belowground. On our website, you will find plenty of helpful information, including more handy blog posts. Alternatively, please contact us directly for a quote on our services.

The Top Benefits of Custom-Designing Your Perfect Home

Unlike purchasing an existing property, where compromises are often necessary, building your own home gives you the freedom to make decisions about every aspect of the design. In this brief guide, you can learn some of the advantages of building your very own property, helping you discover why building your own home could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Often, when you look to purchase an existing property, it can be difficult to know the true condition of the inner workings. This can lead to expensive maintenance costs after buying the property, suddenly discovering that the outdated plumbing is posing multiple problems. Luckily, when you design your own property, you have a full and complete understanding of the systems within. Plumbing systems will also be new, meaning you won’t need to keep up with any maintenance related to age.

Location Flexibility

Location is an incredibly important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a new home, however, it can be difficult to ensure you’re in the perfect place. When you build your own home, on the other hand, you have greater flexibility in choosing where you would like to live. You can select the perfect plot of land that suits your preferences, whether that’s a quiet rural setting, a bustling urban neighbourhood, or somewhere in between.

Complete Personalisation

Arguably the most important benefit building your own home offers is that you have complete control over the design of the property. With this, you can personalise the property to suit your needs exactly, from specific room sizes to extra facilities. When you design your own home, you have greater control over the building materials, including the domestic foundations and any landscaping work.

Your Residential Foundation Contractors

Here at Belowground, we take pride in providing a construction project with a strong foundation to build from. Helping homeowners achieve their dream property, we offer pile foundation designs that can ensure a house is stable and supportive, meeting a family’s every need in a home. Simply visit our website to learn more about us and our services, or get in touch with our team directly for a quote today.

The Signs That Your Property May Need Underpinning

Underpinning is a technique used to support and strengthen the foundation of a structure – one that can be carried out using various methods, such as mass concrete underpinning, mini-piled underpinning or beam and base underpinning.

Why might you underpin a building? There are various reasons that may mean underpinning is required. It could be that the load capacity of the existing foundations needs to be increased to support the load of an additional storey being added as part of an extension, or perhaps erosion or other soil related issues (such as subsidence) has taken place and the foundations need to be stabilised.

In the event that your home’s foundations need to be stabilised due to circumstances out of your control, then it can be helpful to notice the signs that underpinning might be required. Read on as we discuss what these are below.

1 | Cracks in Walls & Floors

If you start to notice cracks appearing in your walls and/or floors, this could be a sign that your home is suffering from subsidence. Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath your home starts to sink, often due to soil erosion or drainage issues causing the soil to shift.

When this happens, cracks may form in your home from the building shifting as a result of the ground underneath also shifting. However, not all cracks are indicative of subsidence. Often, cracks that are a result of subsidence are zigzag in shape, so make sure to check the shape of any cracks in your home before jumping to immediate conclusions.

2 | Sticking Doors & Windows

If your house has started to move due to subsidence or soil issues and erosion underneath your home, then you may notice that your doors and/or windows either start becoming jammed or stop shutting properly.

If this is becoming something you notice more frequently throughout your property, then it could be that underpinning is the necessary solution.

3 | Sloping Floors

When soil and foundational issues become extreme, then you may start to notice that the floors inside your home actually begin to slope. Similarly, when looking at the outside of your house, you may notice it appears to be leaning to one side.

Essentially, when this happens, your house is shifting as a result of the soil and/or foundations underneath moving. This can be a serious sign that your house requires underpinning and often requires a structural survey to determine the extent of the damage.

Domestic Foundation Services

Is your property showing signs that you may require underpinning? If so, then look to us here at Below Ground, your trusted piling contractors in the South of England and Wales.

As experts in home foundation construction, we’ll be able to determine which underpinning method is best for your home and will complete all work to a professional, high quality standard – ensuring that your foundations are as solid as they should be.

To discuss your requirements and learn more about the services we can provide, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

The Importance of Ground Beams in Piling Construction

Ground beams play a vital role in foundation construction, ensuring stability and load distribution across a building’s structure. When deciding which foundation technique to use in your construction project, it is crucial to consider ground beams, which offer a cost-effective solution for long-lasting foundations.

Read on to learn more about the importance of ground beams in piling construction.

What Are Ground Beams?

Ground beams are structural beams made of reinforced concrete that are used early on in construction projects. They can be used to replace other foundation techniques, like trench footings, to distribute weight evenly and create a strong and stable foundation.

Ground Beam Construction

In piling construction, ground beams are designed to link pile foundations or pad foundations, ensuring load distribution and stability. After site excavation and the placement of pad or pile foundations, formwork is installed into the ground beam area.

Once the formwork is checked for accuracy and watertightness, the beam reinforcement is positioned and secured. Concrete is then poured into the formwork, compacted and finished before being left to cure for 24 hours. Once completely dried, the ground beam can support brick walls or blockwork.

Alternatively, if pre-cast ground beams are preferred, these may be delivered to the site and lowered into place by crane. The ground beams can then be stitched together and tied to the pile foundation to secure them.

The steel reinforcement in ground beams provides critical tensile strength, helping the ground beams to withstand compressive and shearing forces. The reinforcement is fixed securely to the foundation ties to ensure a strong and durable connection.

The Benefits of Ground Beams

Concrete ground beams are a popular foundation material for many reasons. A key advantage is that ground beams are more versatile than other foundation types and can accommodate a wide range of site conditions, like poor soil quality or sloping grounds.

Ground beams can be constructed onsite, according to need, or offsite using cranes to transport and position them. This flexibility suits many types of construction projects, particularly those in locations where access may be difficult or terrain may be challenging.

Additionally, using ground beams in construction is a fast and cost-effective solution. Concrete can be laid quickly and requires less work to level up, allowing for faster project completion than traditional deep foundation methods.

Belowground

At Belowground Ltd, we provide a wide range of piling and underpinning services and offer a comprehensive selection of reinforced ground beams, slabs and pile caps.

With bases in London, Bristol and Exeter, we are the leading piling construction company in the South West of England. With over 25 years of experience and an in-depth knowledge of the latest construction practices, we are capable of tackling projects of all sizes and requirements.

If you have any questions about ground beams or slabs or wish to book one of our services, get in touch with us today.

How to Identify and Address Subsidence in Your Building

As a significant issue for many homeowners, subsidence can cause major problems when left unresolved. For many, however, they might not immediately recognise the key signs that subsidence is happening, allowing the problem to worsen without noticing. Discover more about subsidence and how to address it in this article from Belowground Ltd.

What is subsidence?

When the ground beneath a property sinks or shifts and impacts a building’s foundations, this can also be known as subsidence. Subsidence can be dangerous, leading to structural issues that can put your belongings and residents at risk.

What are the signs of subsidence?

Knowing the signs of subsidence can prevent the condition from causing irreparable damage or risk of danger to your property. In this section, you can uncover the top signs of subsidence.

Cracks

Both inside and outside of your property, you may begin to notice cracks forming in the structure. These can appear suddenly as an unsightly impact on your building. Look for cracks in particular in places such as your doors and windows.

Uneven Floors

Furniture not sitting quite right? Uneven surfaces can be a sign of subsidence, indicating that part of the property is sinking. You might begin to notice the floors sloping in your furniture first, with books becoming titled on your bookshelves.

Faults in Doors and Windows

Openings found in your building are key, allowing you to easily enter your property and let in and out a healthy flow of air. Unfortunately, thanks to subsidence, doors and windows can quickly become stuck or trapped, preventing you from opening them as easily as you should be able to.

Wallpaper Damage

Due to the movement of the walls and the structure, subsidence can quickly present itself in your wallpaper. Look out for wallpaper damage such as rippling or bulging as an indicator of subsidence and get the help of a professional as quickly as possible to prevent and address any further damage.

What causes subsidence?

There’s no one reason why subsidence can happen, which can make it harder to find the cause. Typically, there will be an issue with the ground itself, such as a change in its condition or as the result of environmental factors.

Common causes of subsidence include:

Soil type
Leaks
Drought
Historical mining activity
Tree roots

Addressing Subsidence

Subsidence is not something that can be typically dealt with alone. If you notice signs of potential subsidence on your property, it’s vitally important to contact experts such as structural engineers.

Protecting Your Property With Belowground Ltd

To protect your new property from potential subsidence later in its life, you will need the right building foundations. As one of the most trusted piling companies, our team at Belowground Ltd can help to prepare your land for building upon with screw piling services and more. We also cater directly for homeowners, helping them to ensure their property is safe to live in.

Please visit our website to learn more about us and our services. Alternatively, contact us directly for further information and support with your pile foundation design in Bristol, London and Exeter.

Why Consult An Expert Service For Pile Foundation Design

Pile foundations have transformed the way large structures are built, where these underground concrete cylinders allow for the load of a tall building to be transmitted throughout the soil. In turn, this creates steadier, better supported structures, helping to make our architecture more resilient.

If you think you may need a pile foundation installation on your site, then it is important to work with an expert service provider, rather than a general contractor. This is because piling is a specialist business, where all design work needs to be exacting for a successful finish.

Read on to find out more about why it’s so important to consult a specialist for this task.

Specialist Site Analysis

When you work with an expert in concrete piling, you will receive precise analytical insights to help you to understand the needs of your site. Your piling consultant will then be able to advise you on what materials and designs you need for a positive outcome.

Industry-Leading Techniques

The construction industry is always evolving, where it can be difficult for a general contractor to stay up to date in all areas. In contrast, a foundation expert will be tuned in to the specifics of piling innovation, so you can guarantee your installer will be using the best techniques available.

Bespoke Design

There’s no one size fits all when it comes to concrete piling, where it’s important that your installation is bespoke. Working with a specialist in the field usually means your piles will be designed especially for you, ensuring that they’re a perfect fit.

Below Ground: Specialist Piling Construction Services

At Below Ground, we can provide your project with bespoke pile foundation designs that meet the needs of your site. Our concrete piles are always manufactured to the highest quality standards, helping to guarantee a successful outcome.

Get in touch with our expert team today to find out more.