How deep do screw piles need to go?
The depth to which screw piles need to go depends on various factors, including the soil type, load requirements, and site conditions. In general, screw piles are designed to be installed to a depth where they can support the required load and maintain stability. The depth at which screw piles are installed is critical, as the load-bearing helix is what takes the weight of the structure and transfers it into the soil. The pile helix is located on the end of the pile shaft, which allows it to reach solid soil well below the surface.
The depth of screw piles can vary from a minimum of 8 feet to over 30 feet, depending on the project’s requirements. The requirements will specify a load capacity in which the pile has to hold. The screw piles are installed until the applied torque indicates if this minimum specified pile capacity has been achieved. If the minimum required capacity has not been achieved the helical pile must be driven further into the ground until the soil condition is solid enough to meet this engineered requirement.
Is there a way to check the needed helical pile length before installation starts?
Because the soil condition cannot be known before pile installation starts, screw pile estimates from Edmonton installers can be inaccurate. However, soil testing can be done before a project starts to help verify the depth the pile helix needs to go down to. This will provide the installer with an idea of what pile size and length will be needed to meet the load capacities specified by the engineer’s foundation design. With this knowledge, a far more accurate idea of the foundation’s cost will be known.
The depth of screw piles is determined by conducting soil tests and considering the load requirements of the structure. The soil tests help engineers determine the soil type, strength, and other factors that affect the screw pile’s capacity to resist loads.
Ultimately, the depth of screw piles is determined by the project’s specific requirements and the recommendations of the engineer or designer. It’s essential to ensure that the screw piles are installed at the appropriate depth to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.
How deep do screw piles need to go for a deck in Edmonton?
In the City of Edmonton, the City requires “Piles of … metal (helical piles, torque piles or screw piles) are not defined in NBC(AE), so require design by an engineering professional. For a deck of height above 1.8m (71″), this design is to be submitted with the application.”. This requirement for an engineered foundation design is also needed where the deck is either being built with a roof or a hot tub.
Typically, for most uncovered deck screw piles, 8–10 feet will meet these requirements in good soil conditions.
Certified Screw Pile Installers know the correct pile length
Working with an approved screw pile installer who has been verified by a CCMC fabricator can help ensure that the correct screw pile length has been used. The Edmonton Screw Pile Pros are a team of experienced CCMC installers and are well practiced at verifying that applied torques and load requirements of screw piles are met. With this experience, the Edmonton Screw Pile Pros can better estimate and install the screw piles for your job to the correct depth. Contact us at the Edmonton Screw Pile Pros to learn more and get an estimate.