Before replacing it, I need to be absolutely sure the problem is with the piles. A visual inspection and small tests will help determine whether replacement is necessary or whether repairs are sufficient.
Main signs of damage
to a screw pile
External defects
•
Corrosion
and rust, especially at weld points and near the ground surface.
•
Visible
cracks or bending of the pile shaft.
•
Tilt
or displacement of the pile relative to the others.
Problems with the house structure
•
Cracks
have appeared in the walls, especially in the corners.
•
Windows
and doors are no longer closing properly—the frames are warped.
•
The
floor has started to creak or small dips have appeared.
Load testing
•
If
the pile is a load-bearing pile, a "play" in the structure will be
felt when stepping on the house.
•
Slight
swaying in the wind, if the pile is a terrace or extension. • The
foundation as a whole has begun to settle on one side.
If you notice even one of these signs, don't delay
replacement! The longer you wait, the more expensive the repairs will be.
Step-by-step process
for replacing a screw pile
Now we move on to the most important part – removing the old
pile and installing a new one. It's important to proceed carefully to avoid
damaging the foundation and preventing the structure from becoming uneven.
Removing the damaged pile
Step 1. Securing the structure
Before starting work, be sure to secure jacks under the
foundation. This ensures that the load is evenly distributed during pile
removal and prevents the structure from shifting.
•
If
the house is supported by a frame, install adjustable supports or wooden braces
under it.
•
In
frame and lightweight houses, jacking up the nearest foundation joint is
sometimes sufficient.
Step 2. Unscrewing the pile
•
If
the pile can be unscrewed manually, use a pipe wrench or a lever.
•
If
the pile is stuck in the ground, try using a winch or a hydraulic tractor.
•
If
it's impossible to remove the pile, simply cut it below ground level and drill
a new hole nearby.
Important: If the pile was difficult to remove, it may be
due to problematic soil. Before screwing in a new pile, it's a good idea to
reinforce the foundation with sand or gravel.
Installing the New Pile
Step 3. Marking and Preparing the Hole
•
Determine
the location for the new pile (if possible, exactly in the old hole).
•
If
the soil is loose, compact it by adding a sand and gravel mixture.
•
If
the pile will be screwed into a new location, mark it with a level.
Step 4. Screwing in the New Pile
•
Screw
the pile in strictly vertically – even a 2-3 degree tilt can affect the
stability of the structure.
•
If
working manually, use mounting levers.
•
For
difficult soil, it's best to use an electric drill or special equipment.
The screw-in depth must be no less than the freezing depth
of the soil (usually 1.5 m).
Step 5. Securing the pile and foundation
•
Check
the piles with a level and adjust their position if necessary.
•
Secure
the top by welding the cap or bolting it in place.
•
Treat
with anti-corrosion protection (bitumen mastic, cold galvanizing).
•
If
additional strength is required, pour concrete into the pile core.
Final check: the piles must be able to withstand the load
and not wobble.
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