Do you carry out geotechnical investigations at FLI?

Ground investigations are carried out for FLI by specialist sub-contractors in accordance with specifications appropriate for the project.

 

Are screw pile foundations suitable for all ground conditions?

Although screw piles are suitable for many situations, like all foundation systems they have limits.  Generally screw piles are suited to ground with SPT N values in the range 5 – 50.

 

Are your designs at FLI done in house, if so what services do you offer?

Yes, FLI engineers are experienced in designing to Railway, Highways, Telecoms and MoD standards.  As well as providing efficient designs, we understand the factors that add time and cost to the manufacturing and installation processes, which enables us to offer competitive solutions.  Services include approval in principle and detailed design documents (Form A, Form B, AIP’s, Departures, MoD R13 & R14). Internal and external checking are also undertaken.

 

Are FLI’s products part of a standard range or do you design your own?

FLI provide solutions from an array of standard ‘off-the-shelf’ designs as well as providing bespoke solutions for difficult sites. 

 

Do you manufacture the products yourselves at FLI?

Our in-house manufacturing capability enables us to control and maintain high quality standards and gives us flexibility to respond quickly to urgent requirements.  We have state-of-the-art CNC machinery, fully qualified welders and a stock holding for quick delivery.

 

Do you install your screw pile foundations?

FLI have installation teams that operate on Railway, Highway and construction sites.  Training courses are also available (held at FLI) to enhance the skills of your workforce. Site supervision can be provided to audit your installation teams.

 

How sustainable are screw pile foundations?

Screw piles foundations are removable and re-usable as well as being made from steel which is 100% recyclable making them a highly sustainable option.  FLI is a chartered member of BCSA steel construction sustainability scheme.  For further information please click here.

 

Do you test your screw piles, if so how extensively and what capacity can they withstand?

Pile installations are regularly subjected to working load tension tests.  Compression and lateral screw pile testing is also undertaken from time to time.   Ultimate limit tests can also be done on sacrificial piles.  FLI screw piles resist both tension and compression with ultimate capacities generally around 450 kN.  Larger capacities are achievable depending on the geology. 

 

Are you able to install screw piles in low temperatures and areas where access is restricted?

Unlike concrete, FLI’s screw piles foundations can be installed in low temperatures avoiding down time.  FLI’s screw piles have a small footprint enabling small bases to be installed in restricted areas.  Limited headroom can also be accommodated.

 

Can screw piles be designed without geotechnical investigations?

Good quality ground investigation and reporting is essential to enable safe and efficient foundation designs to be undertaken.  It is simple good sense to reduce the risks in the part of any project with the greatest unknowns, which is usually the ground.  However, the GI requirements will be suited to the project and on minor structures with low risk, reduced GI may be possible.  Nevertheless it should be remembered that the risk of unforeseen ground conditions lies with the client.