Sustainable Passive Houses: A Helical Pile Foundation for a Concrete Slab Raft

Client: HMJ Contracts Ltd
Location: Great Bardfield, Essex, England
Project Type: A helical pile foundation for a Passive House’s concrete slab raft

Foundations:

• The installation of 37 helical piles (Ø 88.9 mm) with an 18” helix for loads up to 75 kN, and double 16-18” helix for loads up to 100 kN.

Objective:

• Reduce the amount of concrete used in order to keep the project as low-carbon as possible.

Site Conditions:

• Very soft ground, requiring larger helix diameters to ensure stability.
• Heavy rainfall made the installation process more challenging.

Technical Challenges:

• Selecting the right piles to support the structure on soft ground.
• Managing installation in difficult conditions after prolonged rainfall.
• Completing the installation within just 3 days despite site challenges.

Conclusion:

• The project demonstrated our ability to provide a foundation solution in difficult ground conditions.
• The installation was fast and efficient while also staying on schedule.
• This sustainable project was supported and achieved by minimising the use of concrete while ensuring a strong and durable foundation.