Innovations and engineering in helical screw piling technology by Foundation Technologies Australia

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Foundation Technologies Australia (FTA), founded in 2012 by Steve Hassett, has established itself as a key player in the steel helical screw piling industry for the domestic and commercial building sectors. The company is known for its focus on product quality, technical proficiency, and a deep understanding of its clients’ needs.

Michael Dolphin, publisher of Built Offsite, recently spoke with Travis Yap from FTA, a civil engineer with over two decades of experience. Travis joined FTA three years ago, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge in foundations, groundworks, and drainage, gained from his extensive background in residential structures. “My whole career has been centred on foundations, ground works, and drainage,” Travis explains. His expertise has been invaluable to FTA, enabling the company to offer innovative and compliant solutions to complex foundation challenges.

Before joining FTA, Travis had worked as a consultant for Steve Hassett, providing engineering expertise on various projects. This collaboration led to his full-time involvement with the company. “Steve had been using me as a consultant to provide engineering expertise on jobs, and we got into a situation where he asked if I could come work for him,” Travis recalls. His role at FTA involves addressing the challenges faced by builders, often constrained by site conditions and regulatory requirements.

One notable project highlighted by Travis was a semi-commercial job in Grovedale, a suburb of Geelong in Victoria, involving a childcare centre and gymnasium. The site was sensitive due to its indigenous significance, necessitating a unique approach to the foundation work. “We had to bring in-fill and build the slab into it without removing existing soil,” he says. FTA provided the engineering solution needed, demonstrating their ability to adapt to complex site conditions.

FTA’s helical screw piling technology offers significant advantages over traditional foundation methods, particularly in modular construction. Traditional methods, such as concrete piers, involve numerous steps that can delay construction. In contrast, helical screw piles are installed quickly and efficiently. “With screw piles, we avoid these issues,” Travis notes. “We install the piles to the required depth and load, cut them to height if needed, and use adjustable brackets for precision.”

The time and cost savings of using helical screw piles are substantial. For modular buildings, FTA can install 50-60 piles a day, allowing for rapid foundation completion. “We’ve done three to four houses in a day in Queensland,” Travis mentions, highlighting the efficiency of their process. This rapid installation enables modular structures to be placed on the foundations the same day or the next day, eliminating the curing time required for concrete.

FTA’s commitment to sustainability is another key aspect of their helical screw piling technology. Screw piles reduce carbon footprints compared to concrete production, with lower transportation costs and the ability to recycle steel. “We recycle all our off-cuts and any piles we remove,” Travis states. This aligns with the circular economy goals, minimising environmental impact and allowing for land reuse. The technology is particularly beneficial for modular and emergency accommodation, where quick setup and removal are essential.

Watch FTA’s helical screw piles being installed.

According to Travis, early contractor involvement (ECI) is crucial for optimising design and reducing construction costs. Travis emphasises the importance of collaboration with architects, structural engineers, and contractors from the beginning of a project. “Early contractor involvement allows us to provide a more cost-effective solution,” he explains. This approach ensures that FTA can offer the most efficient and stable foundation solutions, preventing issues like cracking walls or sticking doors in the future.

FTA’s helical screw piling technology supports the needs of offsite construction, particularly in modular building projects, by providing reliable and efficient foundation solutions. The company’s focus on sustainability and reducing the environmental footprint aligns with the growing trend towards modular and offsite construction. “Screw piles reduce carbon footprints as producing steel is less costly than concrete,” Travis remarks. The ability to wind screw piles in and out of the ground minimises environmental impact, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of construction applications.

See: https://www.foundationtechnologies.com.au/