The screw foundation of the future

The future of screw foundations looks bearable. This relatively new foundation system, also known as screw piles, consists of a steel tube with a tapered screw tip that can be driven deep into the ground. No concrete is required in the process, which offers some considerable advantages. FIRST BASE specializes in screw foundations and accessories, so technical director Danny van den Elzen talks about this innovation.

"The strength of screw foundations is that they can be installed quickly and efficiently. No curing time is required as with concrete, so the structure can be built right away. In addition, the piles can be easily removed and reused," Danny said. "It is ideal for applications where one is looking for a solid, soil displacement, vibration-free and most importantly time-saving foundation system."

A good fit

FIRST BASE pays close attention to customized solutions. "We collaborate effectively, both within the team and with our external subject matter experts, to arrive at and appropriate design. We also use geotechnical investigations and static calculations to advise on a cost-effective, safe, sustainable and solid foundation solution." As technical director, Danny is heavily involved in calculations and research. "I am responsible for engineering and structural safety. This includes, for example, strength and bearing capacity calculations, 3D modeling and soil mechanics. This is how we arrive at a solid foundation with the right strength, stiffness and stability."

Develop

FIRST BASE continues to innovate to provide solid foundations for various projects. "By continually investing in research and development, we are building the future of screw foundations. We proactively seek improvements in installation equipment and techniques, and develop our own facilities to field test pile systems in a simple, effective and accurate manner. This is how we ensure quality." Currently, FIRST BASE is working extensively with the new V76 Extendable series. "That is our extendable pole system. It is the smallest and lightest solution we offer and therefore very suitable for light applications such as patio covers." As the name implies, the V76 series is extendable. This makes for a strong and practical system. "The V76 series is excellent for soil conditions where the solid sand layer is at different depths. By extending the piles, our customers can independently install a load-bearing pile foundation with a compact electric screw-in machine."

A sustainable solution

Because screw foundations can be easily turned out, recycled, and reused and do not require concrete, they offer an environmentally friendly solution for the future. "We feel it is important to minimize our impact on the environment, but also on the customer's wallet. We see that the economy is cooling down, and prices for transportation, for example, are falling slightly. So we have recently been able to make it possible for us to reduce prices slightly. This allows us to continue to offer the best quality on the market, at the most competitive price."