Screwpile

Screwpile Technology

Screwpile technology has been around since the 1830’s when it was first used in the construction of light houses on sandy beaches along the English coastline.

Since then the technology has been refined where it is now in common use in developed countries being used in many different fields.

It is thought that screwpiling was first used in Australia in 1992.

Screwpiles work in both sand and clay conditions. Soil types and profiles play an important role in the design and performance of a Screwpile. Screwpiles are screwed into the ground much like giant self-tapping screws through the use of rotary hydraulics attached to earthmoving equipment such as mini excavators, bobcats, proline crane borers or large excavators depending on the capacity and size of Screwpile required. During and at completion of the Screwpile installation the installer monitors the installing torques to ensure that sufficient load capacities are achieved.
Research and development has established a direct relationship between installation torque and Screwpile capacity. Constant torque monitoring provides and accurate indication of ground profiles and founding soil capacities.

Maintek first looked into using screwpile for building foundations in 2007 and since have been building up knowledge and expertise over the past years.

The advantages of the screw-pile over conventional piling methods are:

Reduced noise level, no vibration, speed of installation, much smaller equipment needed to install the pile allowing installation in confined space and reduced cost in mobilization fees because of the lighter and smaller equipment required.

Ideally suited for pipe-line supports and fencing over long distances which can be installed quickly and economically.

Can be installed horizontally as well as vertically, ideal for embankment support.

Screw-pile can be removed using the same equipment as used for installation, suitable for temporary construction facilities.

Currently Maintek have the capability to screw pile from 2 inch up to 10 inch diameter depending on the soil conditions and up to 12,000 ft. lb. torque using S250 Bobcats, 10 or 20 ton excavators. The Maintek hydraulic driving motors are all equipped with pressure gages to ensure correct load capacities are achieved.

Project Red Planet Hotel Pekanbaru                                                                                             Maintek worked closely with TTW Engineers based in Jakarta in design of screwpile sizing, grade of steel and load capacity to ensure international engineering standards were achieved for the Red Planet Hotel project shown below.

Red Planet had a problem, how to install a retaining wall in a very tight space to prevent the 2 story house located right next door from suffering damage. Answer: Bobcat & Screwpile. 

We believe that in certain instances screwpiles are the most efficient method of underpinning buttress walls and foundations for mining haul roads/bridges, fuel tank farms, crusher foundations and all other structural foundations that require piling.