3D Construction

Ultimately, screw piles are a proven alternative to traditional foundations, with several advantages for installations based on ground conditions unique to Cold Lake. Screw piles, also known as helical piles, are most often made of steel shafts with one or more steel helical plates welded onto the shaft that allow for mechanical screwing into the ground to provide strong and stable support for structures. They are used extensively for all types of residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects. Cold Lake does, however, have seasonal high and low temperature fluctuations combined with frost-prone soil areas, which often leave traditional concrete foundations less dependable or longer to install. Screw piles are a functional alternative, as they can be installed more quickly with less disruption to the soil surface and are not subject to weather-related delays. Their deep anchoring system helps them access stable soil layers beneath the frost line, where there tends to be ...

Cold Lake is characterized by harsh climate conditions: deep frost, seasonal freeze–thaw cycles, and variable soil stability. In these conditions, traditional foundation types can encounter problems like shifting, cracking, or frost heave. Helical piles have proved to be a very effective and long-lasting foundation solution. Helical piles are deep foundation systems that consist of steel shafts with helical (screw-like) plates welded to them. Mechanically, they are screwed into the ground with hydraulic equipment with as little soil displacement as possible, reaching deeper load-bearing layers of soil. Once installed, they offer strong axial and lateral support for a broad variety of structures. Helical piles are common for residential homes, modular buildings, decks, and cabins, as well as oilfield structures and commercial properties in Cold Lake. They have become popular because they are able to perform well in areas that experience cold and frost. Unlike concrete pours, helical pil...