SCR Piles

SCREWSOL® (SCR) piles represent the latest generation of displacement drilled piles (FDP), installed using a specially designed auger developed by Soletanche Bachy.

FDP piles displace soil laterally during auger penetration. The SCREWSOL® technology, using a uniquely shaped drilling tool, densifies the soil around the borehole, significantly reducing spoil and improving the strength characteristics of the soil along the pile shaft.

SCREWSOL® technology description

During drilling, the auger displaces soil laterally until the design pile depth is reached. This is achieved using modern machines with vertical head thrust and high torque. When the auger is extracted at a constant rotational speed, a special cutting tool at the auger tip forms a spiral along the shaft, increasing the pile’s external diameter. Concrete is injected under pressure from the pile base, stabilizing the soil at the tip and along the shaft, preventing relaxation or collapse, and improving the interaction between the SCREWSOL® pile and surrounding soil.

After concreting, a reinforcement cage or steel section is inserted into the fresh concrete. During installation, parameters such as pile length, head torque, penetration speed, and concrete pressure and volume are monitored. This allows verification of soil conditions and adjustment of the design if necessary.

Environmental efficiency of SCREWSOL® Piles 

 

  • Reduced concrete consumption
    The spiral-shaped tip increases shaft surface area while using concrete efficiently. Lower concrete usage directly reduces CO₂ emissions.
  • Minimized spoil and waste transport
    Lateral soil displacement enhances soil strength and reduces excavated material. Fewer truck transports are needed, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
  • Vibration-free installation
    SCREWSOL® piles do not generate the vibrations typical of driven piles, improving site comfort and reducing risk to adjacent structures.

Advantages of SCR Piles

• Suitable for cohesive, cohesionless, and organic soils (after site-specific assessment).
• Available as reinforced or plain concrete elements.
• Variable diameter options.
• Adaptable to soil properties.
• Improves soil parameters around the pile.
• High efficiency and rapid installation.
• Increased load-bearing capacity and reduced settlement compared to piles of the same diameter installed using other methods.