Screw Pile Checklist

Design
Has adequate geotechnical investigation been carried out to prove the depth, strength and thickness of the proposed founding layer, and the presence of any liquefiable layers? Has punching failure been considered, in particular if overlying or underlying liquefiable layers are present? Have the effects of negative skin friction been considered, especially for a multiple helix pile? Has the helix been designed with consideration to both structural and geotechnical capacity to ensure both installation and the design loads can be achieved: in particular the soil pressure distribution due to helix flexure? Has the installation torque been calculated, and pile shaft been sized appropriately to withstand this torque? Has a corrosion assessment been undertaken in accordance with accepted standards? Has the effective buckling length of the pile been considered in the liquefied soil state? Are helices designed and manufactured as True Helices? (potential to auger and significantly reduce capacity if not) Is the design based on proven historical performance or will the following be undertaken: either i. Completing a sustained static load test in accordance with AS21592009 Section 8 with a geotechnical reduction factor determined by the risk assessment procedure detailed in AS2159-2009 Section 4. or ii. Using a 0.4 geotechnical reduction factor and iii. Issuing a PS2 for the project with PI cover

Supply and Install

Are quality materials being supplied, to an approved standard to ensure both design loads and installation loads can be carried? Can the Installer demonstrate how the end bearing capacity will be validated? How does the Installer ensure that the pile shaft will not be over-stressed during installation? What is the contingency plan if a pile fails to found at the predicted level?

Administration and Quality Assurance

Is a PS1 provided for the design of the pile, by a Chartered Professional Engineer, experienced in the design of screw piles? Is Professional Indemnity insurance provided?

Does the install follow an approved QA Procedure, e.g. ISO 9001? Does the supplier provide appropriate manufacturing QA which includes but is not limited to: i. Preapproved welding procedures. ii. Welder competency certificates. iii. Mill and testing certificates for steel - shaft and helix. Does the Installer provide install records and verification signoff for every pile by a Chartered Professional Engineer, experienced in screw pile installation?