Foundation selection can have a significant impact on footbridge construction projects. Impacting not just viability and longevity, but costs, programme schedules, and environmental performance, it has to be given careful consideration. Which is one of the reasons why there has been a move away from traditional concrete foundations in recent years. Helical screw piles, on the other hand, are gaining traction. Literally.
Why Helical Screw Piles Are the Perfect Footbridge Foundation
The challenge with traditional concrete foundations
Concrete foundations were the norm for most structures. But with their extensive excavation works, spoil removal, reinforcement installation, formwork, concrete pouring, and curing periods before loading can take place, they’re simply too time-consuming.
Concrete foundations also pose environmental challenges. Quite aside from the wider sustainability question surrounding concrete, if you’re working in sensitive areas, excavation often isn’t viable. Especially where there’s a Tree Preservation Order or similar in place. Or where access is limited. Both issues can increase project complexity and cost.
Faster installation with helical screw piles
On the surface, the primary benefit of using helical screw piles is the speed at which they can be installed. Mechanically driven directly into the ground, without need for excavation, reinforcement placement, or curing time, installation can often be completed in a matter of minutes per pile. And once installed, they are immediately load-bearing, so you can progress with the rest of the project.
While speed is often enough of a gain, it also translates into financial savings.
Reducing project costs
While the use of helical screw piles obviously reduces some of the need for labour on a project, it impacts the budget in other ways, too. Concrete foundations are process-heavy. Every phase – excavation, waste disposal, concrete supply, reinforcement installation, and site reinstatement – takes time and money. They can also add risk.
Because helical screw pile installation is quicker and easier, it minimises the processes involved. That usually means that fewer vehicles attend a site. There’s less waiting around for parts, materials, and people – something that can be massively time-consuming where a footbridge is being installed in a place that’s difficult to access. All of these things add up to create actual cost savings.
Lower environmental impact
Sustainability is another important area that has to be considered in all civil engineering projects. Councils have to justify the environmental impact of every decision. And traditional concrete is known to carry a substantial carbon footprint. In fact, cement manufacturing accounts for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. And that’s a lot to justify.
Helical screw piles are simply more sustainable. Installation requires fewer vehicles. There’s very limited ground disturbance, which is particularly necessary in environmentally sensitive locations, such as riverbanks. And there’s no spoil to deal with later.
How UK Helix can help
Every footbridge project has its own challenges. Whether it’s varying ground conditions or unique loading requirements. With a few minor exceptions, where the substrate simply isn’t viable (primarily solid rock), helical screw piles can provide a flexible solution.
At UK Helix, we provide comprehensive design, supply, and installation services for helical screw pile foundations. Our aim is to help you find a foundation solution that can balance performance, cost efficiency, and environmental responsibility. From initial feasibility assessments through to pile installation.
As infrastructure projects continue to focus on efficiency and sustainability, helical screw piles are becoming an increasingly attractive foundation option for a whole range of projects. But for footbridge construction, where environmental impact can be almost as important as structural reliability, they make particular sense.
Do you need screw pile support for your next footbridge project? Get in touch.