Screw Pile Design

What Is Screw Pile Design?

Screw pile design is the engineered planning of steel helical piles, also called screw piles, to safely support structural loads based on the ground conditions of a given site. Rather than relying on mass concrete or driven piles, screw piles are twisted into the soil using hydraulic torque, creating deep, load-bearing foundations with minimal disruption.

The design process calculates key factors like soil strength, load direction, pile depth, and shaft type to ensure stability and compliance with UK building regulations and Eurocode 7.

At Ultimate Screw Piling, screw pile design means more than formulas—it’s about creating safe, cost-efficient solutions tailored to your project. Whether you’re building on clay, sand, or made ground, our team considers torque-to-capacity ratios, corrosion protection, and long-term durability from day one.

Why use screw piles?

Whether for house extensions, new builds, or modular installs, screw pile design ensures the foundation system is engineered for performance, compliance, and speed.

Our Approach to Screw Pile Design

We combine on-site experience with in-house engineering to create reliable, site-specific designs. Every project begins with a review of soil conditions and structural loads, followed by precise modelling to UK standards.

Our structural engineer calculates the forces involved and selects the right shaft diameter, helix size and depth to suit. We also factor in access constraints and rig requirements from the outset to avoid issues on site.

You get clear documentation, fast turnaround, and ongoing support from a team that handles both design and install.

What’s Included in Our Screw Pile Design Service?

We provide a complete screw pile design solution that supports safe, efficient, and regulation-compliant foundation work. Here’s what you can expect as part of our design service:

Site-Specific Load Calculations

Every design is based on your site’s structural loading requirements, from single extensions to large modular bases.

Detailed Ground Assessment

We work from site investigations, borehole logs, or existing data to ensure designs match your soil conditions and bearing capacity to utilise the best screw piles for the job.

In-House Structural Engineer Review

All designs and structural calculations are overseen and approved by our in-house engineer to ensure full technical accuracy and code compliance.

Comprehensive Installation Service

We don’t just design, we install too. Our experienced teams handle the full install process with precision and safety, working closely with your on-site team.

Why Choose USP?

At Ultimate Screw Piling, we deliver high-quality foundation design with speed, accuracy and a strong focus on collaboration. Every project is supported by our in-house structural engineer, ensuring all designs are compliant, build-ready, and tailored to the site conditions.

We’re trusted by developers, engineers and contractors across the UK thanks to our clear communication, reliable turnaround times and commitment to doing things properly. Whether it’s a tight-access site or a larger commercial project, we provide a turnkey service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the screw pile design process take?

For most projects, we can turn around a design within 2–5 working days, depending on the complexity and whether soil data is already available. Urgent jobs can often be fast-tracked.

Do I need to provide a soil report?

A ground investigation report helps produce the most accurate design. However, if no report is available, we can often proceed using local geotechnical data or arrange testing ourselves.

Can screw piles be designed for clay or made ground?

Yes, screw piles can be designed for both clay and made ground. In clay, deeper embedment may be needed to reach firm layers and reduce settlement risk. In made ground, piles are usually extended to bypass loose or variable fill and reach stable soil. Proper site investigation and design adjustments ensure safe, reliable performance.

Are your designs signed off by a structural engineer?

Yes. Every screw pile design we issue is checked and signed off by our in-house structural engineer, giving you full peace of mind on compliance and safety.

Can I get a full supply and install package?

Absolutely. We offer both design-only and design-plus-install packages across the UK. Our install teams are experienced, fast, and work directly from the approved design.

How many piles will I need for my project?

The number of piles needed depends on the size and load requirements of your structure. Our team will assess your project and provide full design advice.

Ready to Discuss Your Next Project?

Our team of experts will be happy to help you with any questions you may have, and to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for your project.