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Jan 233 min read

Revolutionising Building Foundation Stability: The Power of Screw Piles in Underpinning Building Foundations

Building foundations play a crucial role in providing stability and support to structures, ensuring their longevity and safety. However, over time, foundations may face challenges such as soil subsidence, shifting ground conditions, or inadequate load-bearing capacity. To address these issues and enhance foundation stability, innovative solutions like screw piles, also known as ground anchors and helical piles, have gained prominence. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of screw piles, exploring how they are revolutionising the underpinning of building foundations.


Underpinning Building Foundations
Solving subsidence on a conservatory

Understanding Screw Piles:

Screw piles are innovative foundation support systems that have proven to be highly effective in stabilising and reinforcing building foundations. These piles consist of helical-shaped plates welded to a central shaft, resembling large screws. The design of screw piles allows them to be twisted into the ground with minimal disturbance, making them an ideal solution for various soil types.

Advantages of Screw Piles:

  1. Versatility: Screw piles are versatile and can be used in a wide range of soil conditions, including clay, sand, and rocky terrain. Their adaptability makes them an excellent choice for both residential and commercial projects.

  2. Time Efficiency: One of the key advantages of using screw piles for underpinning is the speed of installation. Traditional foundation methods often involve extensive excavation and concrete curing times, leading to project delays. Screw piles, on the other hand, can be installed quickly, reducing overall construction timelines.

  3. Minimal Environmental Impact: The installation of screw piles generates minimal soil disturbance compared to traditional foundation methods. This eco-friendly approach ensures that surrounding ecosystems remain largely undisturbed, making screw piles an environmentally responsible choice.

  4. Load-Bearing Capacity: Screw piles provide exceptional load-bearing capacity, making them suitable for supporting various types of structures. The helical design allows for better distribution of loads, enhancing the stability of the foundation.


The Role of Screw Piles in Underpinning:

Underpinning is a construction process used to strengthen or stabilise the foundation of an existing building. This is often necessary when the original foundation becomes compromised due to soil issues, structural damage, or changes in building usage. Screw piles are increasingly becoming the underpinning method of choice for several reasons:

  1. Preventing Further Settlement: When a foundation experiences settlement, screw piles can be installed beneath the affected areas to prevent further sinking. The helical plates of the piles provide a stable base, effectively redistributing the load and halting any ongoing subsidence.

  2. Lifting and Leveling: In cases where a building has already experienced foundation settlement, screw piles can be used to lift and level the structure. This is achieved by installing the piles strategically beneath the settled sections, gradually restoring the building to its original position.

  3. Foundation Support in Challenging Conditions: Screw piles are particularly effective in areas with challenging soil conditions. Whether dealing with expansive clay soils or regions prone to seismic activity, screw piles provide a reliable solution for underpinning foundations.


Manufactured and Design in the UK:

At ABC Anchors, we take pride in designing and manufacturing high-quality screw piles and installation equipment right here in the UK. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has positioned us as leaders in the foundation support industry. Here's how our products stand out:

  1. Customised Solutions: We understand that each construction project is unique. Therefore, we offer customised screw pile solutions tailored to the specific requirements of our clients. Our team of engineers can design screw piles that meet the project's exact needs.

  2. Quality Assurance: All our screw piles undergo rigorous quality control processes to ensure they meet industry standards. We use premium materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to produce durable and reliable foundation support systems.

  3. State-of-the-Art Equipment: In addition to screw piles, we design and manufacture cutting-edge installation equipment. Our machinery is engineered for efficiency, precision, and ease of use, contributing to the seamless integration of screw piles into construction projects.


As the construction industry continues to evolve, innovative solutions like screw piles are playing a pivotal role in ensuring the stability and longevity of building foundations. The versatility, time efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and impressive load-bearing capacity of screw piles make them an ideal choice for underpinning existing structures and supporting new developments.

At ABC Anchors, we are proud to be at the forefront of this revolution, designing and manufacturing top-quality screw piles and installation equipment in the UK. Our commitment to excellence, coupled with a focus on sustainability, positions us as trusted partners for construction professionals seeking reliable and efficient foundation support solutions. Embrace the future of underpinning with screw piles, and let's build a stronger foundation together.




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