Modular Building Surfaces

From educational facilities to retail spaces and residential units, SmartPod’s range of modular buildings offer a versatile, sustainable, and efficient solution for various needs. However, the success of these structures often hinges on the foundation upon which they are built. Due to our integration of RADIX Ground Screws, SmartPods offer an adaptable and eco-friendly alternative for supporting modular buildings on diverse surfaces. For instance, our installation provides secure foundations in soft soils like loamy fields, where traditional methods may falter. In unpaved settings, such as grassy parks, ground screws minimise ecological disruption. They can also be effectively used in hard soil environments, like rocky hillsides, through pre-drilling, ensuring stability where conventional foundations might struggle. In waterlogged areas, such as marshlands, specially designed screws offer durability and prevent structural shifting. On paved surfaces, like urban concrete lots, ground screws can be used with minimal disruption, making them an efficient choice for urban installations. These diverse applications highlight the versatility of ground screws in accommodating various terrains and construction challenges, making them a go-to choice for modular buildings.

Surfaces that modular buildings can be installed on

Soft Soils

Soft soils like clay, silt, and loam provide an ideal environment, which offer excellent anchorage and stability.

Unpaved

Unpaved surfaces, such as grassy fields and gardens, benefit from Ground Screws as they minimise environmental disruption.

Hard Soil

In hard soils, like rocky terrains, ground screws require pre-drilling, making them suitable for challenging conditions.

Waterlogged

Waterlogged areas, such as marshy or saturated soils, require specially designed RADIX Ground Screws for reliable support.

Paved

Surfaces like asphalt and concrete, offer secure anchorage, making them an efficient solution for urban environments.

Soft Soils

Soft soils, such as clay, silt, and loam, are commonly found in many regions and present unique challenges for construction. These soil types are typically characterised by their low bearing capacity and tendency to shift under pressure, making them less than ideal for traditional foundations. However, when it comes to installing modular buildings, soft soils can actually be advantageous if the right foundation technology is employed.

RADIX Ground Screws are specifically designed to handle the challenges posed by soft soils. Their helical design allows them to penetrate deeply into the ground, providing stable anchorage and distributing the load evenly across the soil. This ensures that the modular building remains secure, even in the face of soil movement or settling.

Installation Process: The installation of ground screws in soft soils is relatively straightforward and does not require extensive excavation or site preparation. This not only speeds up the construction process but also minimises the environmental impact. The ground screws are driven into the soil using specialised equipment, ensuring precise alignment and depth.

Advantages: The use of ground screws in soft soils offers several advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the need for concrete, reducing the project’s carbon footprint. Secondly, the screws can be easily removed and reused, providing flexibility for temporary or relocatable structures. Finally, the installation process is quick and efficient, reducing labor costs and project timelines.

Unpaved Surfaces

Unpaved surfaces, such as grassy fields, gardens, or other natural landscapes, present unique opportunities and challenges for modular building installation. These areas are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal or strategic location, but traditional foundations can disrupt the natural environment and require significant site preparation.

RADIX Ground Screws offer an eco-friendly solution for installing modular buildings on unpaved surfaces. By minimising ground disturbance and preserving the natural landscape, ground screws provide a versatile foundation that respects the environment.

Installation Process: The installation of ground screws on unpaved surfaces is minimally invasive. The screws are inserted directly into the ground without the need for digging or excavation, preserving the existing vegetation and soil structure. This makes it an ideal choice for areas where environmental preservation is a priority.

Advantages: One of the key benefits of using ground screws on unpaved surfaces is the reduced environmental impact. The absence of concrete means there is no need for heavy machinery or significant soil disruption. Additionally, the screws provide a stable and level foundation, ensuring the modular building remains secure and functional.

Hard Soils

Hard soils, such as rocky or compacted ground, present a unique set of challenges for construction. These surfaces are often difficult to penetrate, requiring specialised techniques to ensure a stable foundation. Traditional concrete foundations may require extensive excavation and preparation, leading to increased costs and environmental impact.

RADIX Ground Screws are engineered to tackle the challenges of hard soils. While pre-drilling may be necessary to facilitate insertion, the screws offer a reliable and secure foundation once installed.

Installation Process: The installation process for ground screws in hard soils involves pre-drilling to create a pilot hole for the screw. This ensures that the screw achieves the necessary depth and stability. Once the pilot hole is prepared, the ground screw is inserted using specialised equipment, providing a strong and secure foundation.

Advantages: Ground screws offer several advantages for hard soil installations. They reduce the need for extensive excavation and site preparation, minimising environmental impact. Additionally, the installation process is quicker and more efficient than traditional concrete foundations, leading to cost savings and faster project completion.

Waterlogged Areas

Waterlogged or marshy areas present significant challenges for construction due to their unstable and saturated soil conditions. Traditional foundations are often unsuitable for these environments, as they can sink or shift over time. However, modular buildings can be successfully installed in waterlogged areas using the right foundation technology.

RADIX Ground Screws are specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of waterlogged environments. Their helical design provides excellent load-bearing capacity, ensuring stability and longevity even in saturated soils.

Installation Process: The installation of ground screws in waterlogged areas requires careful planning and site assessment. The screws are inserted into the ground using specialised equipment, with considerations for soil composition and water table levels. This ensures that the foundation is secure and stable, even in challenging conditions.

Advantages: Using ground screws in waterlogged areas offers several advantages. The screws provide a reliable and durable foundation that can withstand the challenges of saturated soils. Additionally, the installation process is quick and minimally invasive, reducing environmental impact and preserving the natural landscape.

Paved Surfaces

Paved surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, are commonly found in urban environments and present unique challenges for modular building installation. Traditional foundations may require significant demolition and site preparation, leading to increased costs and disruption. However, ground screws offer an innovative solution for installing modular buildings on paved surfaces.

RADIX Ground Screws are designed to provide secure anchorage on paved surfaces. By offering a minimally invasive solution, ground screws enable the installation of modular buildings without the need for extensive demolition or site preparation.

Installation Process: The installation of ground screws on paved surfaces involves pre-drilling a hole to facilitate the insertion of the screw. This ensures that the screw achieves the necessary depth and stability, providing a secure foundation for the modular building. Once installed, the screws offer immediate load-bearing capacity, allowing for rapid deployment.

Advantages: Using ground screws on paved surfaces offers several advantages. The installation process is quick and efficient, reducing labor costs and project timelines. Additionally, the screws provide a versatile foundation solution that can be easily removed or repositioned if necessary. This flexibility makes ground screws an ideal choice for temporary or relocatable structures.

RADIX Ground Screws

RADIX Ground Screws represent a modern, eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete foundations. Engineered from high-quality galvanised steel, these screws are designed to provide a strong, secure, and durable foundation for a wide range of structures. With their versatility, load-bearing capacity, and long lifespan, RADIX Ground Screws offer numerous advantages over traditional foundation methods. SmartPods work exclusively with the RADIX ground screw, meaning we can install modular buildings on almost any surface.

Time Efficiency: One of the key benefits of RADIX Ground Screws is their quick and easy installation process. Unlike concrete foundations, which require time for excavation, pouring, and curing, ground screws can be installed in a fraction of the time. This allows for rapid deployment of modular buildings, reducing project timelines and labor costs. Ground screws are typically 70% faster to install compared to traditional concrete foundations, making them an ideal choice for projects with tight schedules.

Versatility: Ground screws can be installed on a wide variety of terrains, including sloping, uneven, and soft ground. This versatility makes them suitable for remote and hard-to-access areas, where traditional foundations may be impractical. Additionally, ground screws can be installed in any weather conditions, providing flexibility for year-round construction.

Immediate Load-Bearing Capacity: Once installed, RADIX Ground Screws provide immediate load-bearing capacity, eliminating the need for curing time required by concrete. This allows for immediate construction and occupancy of modular buildings, further reducing project timelines and costs.

Durability and Longevity: RADIX Ground Screws are engineered for longevity, with a life expectancy of over 60 years and a 35-year guarantee. Made from high-quality galvanized steel, they are resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring a stable and durable foundation for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will ground screws take the weight of my modular building?

RADIX PRO screws offer load-bearing capacities ranging from 13.5kN to 66kN. Each screw is rigorously tested to meet load, pressure, and tension-bearing standards. Our installation teams assess the ground conditions and perform calculations based on the specific structure to ensure the screws can support the weight of your modular building. The total load capacity is distributed across multiple screws, providing a stable and secure foundation.

Can ground screws be installed in frozen ground?

Yes, one of the key advantages of ground screws over concrete is their ability to be installed during winter months, even in frozen ground. RADIX Ground Screws are designed to perform well in a variety of terrains, climates, and soil conditions, ensuring successful installations regardless of the season.

Can ground screws be installed on Tarmac?

Yes, ground screws can be installed through tarmac. A hole is first drilled to ensure clean insertion, using appropriate equipment to avoid excessive wear. Careful installation ensures proper alignment and depth, while assessing the underlying soil guarantees sufficient support. Professional installation is recommended to ensure safety and accuracy.

Are ground screws as good as concrete?

Yes, ground screws are an excellent alternative to traditional concrete foundations. They offer several significant advantages, including faster installation, lower environmental impact, and greater flexibility. Ground screws can be installed quickly, without the need for pouring and curing concrete, and they cause less disruption to the site. They also have a strong load-bearing capacity comparable to concrete and can be easily removed and reused, making them ideal for temporary or relocatable structures.

How long do ground screws last?

RADIX Ground Screws are designed to last over 60 years, depending on soil conditions and installation quality. Each screw comes with a 35-year guarantee, ensuring long-term structural integrity and reliability.

Can ground screws be installed year-round?

Yes, RADIX Ground Screws can be installed year-round, regardless of weather conditions. Unlike concrete foundations, which can be affected by temperature and weather, ground screws can be installed in a variety of climates and conditions, ensuring successful installations at any time of the year.

How deep can ground screws be installed?

The depth at which a ground screw needs to be installed depends on the overall weight of your project and the ground conditions. RADIX Ground Screws are available in lengths ranging from 800mm to 2050mm, allowing them to create strong and stable foundations in most soil types. For deeper installations, a screw pile range is available to meet specific project requirements. Accurate site surveys, ground testing, and load testing are essential to determine the appropriate depth and screw type for your project.

Can ground screws be installed on any terrain?

Yes, RADIX Ground Screws can be installed on a variety of terrains, including soft soils, unpaved surfaces, hard soils, waterlogged areas, and paved surfaces. Their versatility and adaptability make them suitable for numerous surfaces and applications, ensuring a secure and stable foundation for modular buildings regardless of the terrain.

The integration of modular buildings with RADIX Ground Screws offers a revolutionary solution for modern construction projects. By providing a quick, eco-friendly, and versatile alternative to traditional concrete foundations, ground screws enable modular buildings to be installed on a wide range of terrains. From soft soils and unpaved surfaces to hard soils and waterlogged areas, ground screws offer a reliable and durable foundation solution that meets the diverse needs of modern infrastructure projects.

Whether you’re looking to install a modular building in a remote rural area or a bustling urban environment, SmartPods provide the flexibility and adaptability you need. By minimising environmental impact and reducing project timelines, our integration of ground screws ensure that your modular building is secure, stable, and sustainable.

For more information on how a modular building can transform your construction projects, contact us today to discuss your needs and receive a personalised quote. We look forward to helping you create the ideal modular building solution, regardless of the terrain.

Need Further Assistance?

Feel free to contact us about any of our modular buildings for education, retail, leisure, and business.