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MODULAR Efficient, Sustainable Foundation Solutions for Modular Home Extensions RADIX, global specialist screw piling contractor, supporting the Modular & Pre-fabricated Construction Industry.
Contents Introduction 1 Our Story 2 Ground Screws vs Concrete 3 76mm Extendable Ground Screws 4 Ground Screw FAQ’s 5 Site Surveys and Ground Testing 6 Lifespan 9 Why Choose Ground Screws 10 Services 11 SUPPORTING A NET-ZERO FUTURE ON THE RIGHT FOUNDATIONSRADIXGROUP.CO.UK
INTRODUCTION Sustainable foundations for house extensions Concrete foundations are not your only option! At RADIX, we apply our industry-leading knowledge and expertise to offer innovative foundation solutions for house extensions. Our advanced ground screw foundations allow us to install secure, robust foundations swiftly, with limited ecological impact. RADIX’s low-carbon foundations represent a fundamental shift in how house extensions are built, delivering immediate benefits while building towards a more sustainable future. Why would you build on concrete when you have ground screw foundations available? The beauty of our ground screw pile solution lies in its simplicity. RADIX’s ground screws replace conventional concrete foundations. Faster and simpler to install, and more sustainable, thus delivering a smarter solution for you. We know they are durable, climate-friendly and more cost- effective, and you don’t have to dig large holes, cast your own supports and wait an age for them to cure… You screw them in, attach the sructure, and you’re done! Customer reviews
Our story With the growing popularity of Modular and Prefabricated building methods in construction, RADIX offers a more sustainable foundation solution to build upon. We combine years of engineering, manufacturing and construction expertise with existing and emerging technologies to produce effective, low carbon, sustainable screw pile foundations for Modular, Pre-Fab and Off-Site buildings that positively impact our environment. Our RADIX Ground Screw Pile foundation system is designed to support both domestic and commercial projects of all scales. Our team is ready to assist you, and welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements. We hope to hear from you soon. Callum Milne Managing Director
50% Screw piles are reducing programme lengths by 50% ready to build on immediately after installation. 66% Remove the need for heavy excavations and costly removal of spoils, and reduce vehicle movement by 66%. Vehicles Efficiency
RADIX 76MM EXTENDABLE GROUND SCREWS RADIX Ground Screws - Designed for the Modular Industry RADIX are leaders in innovative foundation technology with a commitment to sustainability and efficiency. We are raising the bar to create what we believe should be the industry standard and giving confidence not only to our customers, but also your customers. We have been working diligently with our engineers, developing strict test protocols and documentation that will be recognised and accepted by building control authorities and project engineers. RADIX has designed a new range of screw piles specifically for the prefabricated build sector. Using higher grade materials and heavier gauge materials offering greater structural capacity and design life. Benefits of the RADIX Screw pile Installed with handheld machinery Load bearing capacities exceeding 60kN Serviceability State Limit (SLS). Design life more than 60 years. Achieve greater depths and/or capacity in challenging ground conditions. A range of bespoke fittings tailored to support modular bases. Designed with limited access in mind
GROUND SCREW FAQ’S Can ground screws be used near public sewers, drains, or as a manhole buildover? Yes - however this will be subject to the independent regional water authority, may require an engineer to provide accurate drawings and will as a minimum need a completed method statement. Under building regulations you are only allowed to build over an accessible drain cover if the drain is solely servicing your property and not connected to any neighbours. If your accessible manhole services other properties along its run, then you will need to apply for a buildover agreement which will likely mean building a new manhole and connection outside the boundary of the extension and replacing the existing manhole with sealed underground pipework. What is the load capacity of a ground screw? RADIX PRO screws will range from 13.5kN to 66kN in load-bearing capacity. All our screws are thoroughly tested to meet load, pressure and tension-bearing requirements. Our installation teams test the ground and do our calculations based on the structure the screw will be supporting. The total load capacity of the structure is spread through several screws. Are RADIX ground screws building control compliant? Yes! RADIX are recognised as an industry leading brand. RADIX’s ground screws have gone through many changes over the years. We have redesigned them, sourced better materials and manufacturing processes to value- engineer the strongest and most reliable ground screw available. When choosing a screw or anchor for your foundation, it’s the brand that matters. Low- cost ground screws, anchor spikes, and ground anchors are not the same as our pro- range ground screws. Our range of screws are manufactured from high quality steel and galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461: 2009 to ensure the surface of the screw is corrosion resistant for long term protection and increased life expectancy. How long does a ground screw last? Depending on soil conditions and the quality of the installation, our range of screws have an expected lifespan of 60+ years, and all come with a 35-year structural integrity guarantee. Can you use ground screws in all types of surfaces? RADIX’s low-carbon foundations are versatile, and they can be used in a variety of surfaces. Accurate site surveys, ground testing and load testing should be carried out to help choose the right screws for your project. Soft Soils: Our screws work well in various soft soil types, including clay, silt, and loam, where they can easily penetrate and provide stable anchorage. Grassy or Unpaved Areas: They are ideal for installations in grassy fields, gardens, or other unpaved surfaces. Rocky or Very Hard Soils: In rocky terrains or extremely hard soils, pre- drilling might be necessary. Waterlogged or Marshy Areas: These conditions may require special consideration for stability and longevity, which our range of screws can provide. Highly Urbanised or Paved Areas: Installation into concrete or asphalt surfaces may require pre-drilling.
SITE SURVEYS & GROUND TESTING "Perceptible Movement" Is Outdated, Unquantifiable, and Unacceptable in Static Load Testing of Screw Piles In engineering, precision matters. In infrastructure where foundations are critical, field test methods are commonly used to directly measure the axial load bearing capacity of a screw piles by applying controlled loads, either in compression, tension or lateral directions, recording the resulting displacement over a pre-determined period. Yet remarkably, there are still contractors and specifiers in the screw pile foundation industry who refer to "perceptible movement" as a measure during axial load testing. At RADIX, our view is clear — this is outdated, unscientific, and completely incompatible with modern engineering standards.Why "Perceptible Movement" is Inadequate Axial load testing is not about assumptions or impressions. It is about quantified, empirical measurement of pile behaviour under load. As outlined in EN ISO 22477-1:2018 (EC7) or ASTM D1143/D1143M (Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundations Under Static Axial Compression Load), tests must be interpreted using appropriate measuring equipment and procedures to obtain reliable data on load-settlement behaviour. Simply put, "Perceptible" implies reliance on human senses, which are inherently subjective. One observer may perceive movement that another does not; this introduces variability in results. Engineering standards require data to be recorded in measurable units (e.g., mm or inches) Load-displacement curves, settlement limits, and failure criteria depend on accurate, instrumented measurements.
SITE SURVEYS & GROUND TESTING Accepted Methodology in Axial Load Testing The foundation industry does not leave room for interpretation or guesswork. That is why European and international standards exist to define how testing must be carried out. A typical axial compression or tension load test performed by RADIX involves: Incremental loading in precise steps Recording displacement to an accuracy of 0.1mm using calibrated dial gauges or LVDTs Plotting load vs displacement curves to establish load-bearing capacity and predict settlement At no stage does subjective assessment feature. This is fundamental to providing reliable and repeatable data on load-settlement behaviour, which is mandatory to validate design assumptions and meet compliance obligations.Why This Matters Modular house extensions demand absolute certainty from their foundations. "Perceptible movement" offers no insight into any of these critical factors. Only empirical, instrumented testing provides the data necessary for engineering design calculations, safety margin assessments and regulatory sign-off and warranty provision. This is why RADIX rejects subjective methodologies and aligns strictly to standards-led testing practices on every project, from small-scale domestic works to global BESS installations.
SITE SURVEYS & GROUND TESTING RADIX's Professional Testing Protocol - Leading by Example RADIX conducts every load test with full transparency and traceability: Certified test equipment calibrated to EN standards Incremental loading and deflection measurement to <0.1mm accuracy Graphical presentation of load vs displacement curves Documentation of initial, incremental and final readings Permit-to-load issued only when piles pass empirical assessment Our handover documentation is part of our wider turnkey offer, ensuring clients can proceed with confidence knowing that all foundations have been tested and verified properly and not on the basis of what may be seen by eye and is subjective and non-quantitive.Our Message to the Industry? Stop Relying on Guesswork "Perceptible movement" is not an acceptable metric. It does not comply with industry standards. It does not deliver the empirical data needed for safe design and it does not meet the standards expected on modern, high-risk infrastructure projects.At RADIX, we reject subjective shortcuts in favour of objective, proven methodology.
11 THE LIFESPAN OF OUR SUSTAINABLE FOUNDATIONS How long do our ground screws and screw piles last as a sustainable foundation solution? The design life of our ground screws and screw piles is dependent on a number of elements; lifetime load bearing capacity and soil characteristics are a significant factor. Specific corrosion rates and life span can be provided on request, independently verified by engineers. Based on a typical C3 soil corrosion category, the zinc coating may deteriorate at approximately 3.5μm per year. Once total corrosion of the zinc coating is accomplished, steel corrosion then progresses at an average rate of 25μm per year. Based on a RADIX PRO 76×1550 Ground Screw and a 45kN axial load applied, we can demonstrate the following. Over the design life, when the wall and helix are reduced to 2.75 mm and 1.75 mm respectfully through corrosion, the structural integrity of the ground screw is maintained and still capable of bearing and axial load of 45kN. At C3 corrosion rate: Galvanised coating on average is 70.0μm and life expectancy: 70/3.5=20 years The then reduced wall and helix thickness by 1.25mm: 1.25/0.025=50 years TOTAL: 70 years Guarantees & Warranties At RADIX, we have worked diligently to design and develop the leading range of sustainable foundations on the market. In using the highest quality materials and manufacturing processes, we are confident in every one of our products and back each with a guarantee or warranty. RADIX PRO Ground Screws Guarantee The structural integrity of our full range of RADIX PRO Ground Screws (76mm, 89mm and 114mm) is backed with a 35-year guarantee from the date of purchase.
Save time on your projects. Our ground screws are fast and easy to install, reducing time, energy and labour costs. They are 70% faster to install than concrete. Ground screws avoid the need for excavations, removal of spoils, or pouring concrete. This is not only an eco-benefit, but also a time and cost savings solution. Instant load-bearing capacity! Our installation teams and advanced machinery can easily access narrow passages and difficult to reach locations. However challenging your access is, we will find a solution to build your house extension’s foundations. Ground screws are an eco-friendly alternative to concrete, as they hold less embodied carbon, They cause less soil disturbance due to no excavation or soil removal, and machinery used, thus minimising environmental impact, and they are removable, reusable and recyclable. Perfect in areas with TPO’s and root protection needs. Once the screws are installed, loads can be instantly applied to them, unlike concrete which is limited by season, weather conditions and curing time. Extremely high loads can be supported, so your house extension will be secure Due to the installation process, speed and efficiency, ground screws are often more affordable than traditional methods, making them a cost-effective foundation for home extensions. Screw foundations are suitable for various soil types, making them versatile foundation options. With most types of ground, soil conditions and ground slope, our ground screws will work perfectly. WHY CHOOSE GROUND SCREW FOUNDATIONS FOR YOUR PROJECT?
SERVICES RADIX Supply and Support Ground Screws With a huge inventory of approximately 40,000 ground screws, RADIX is recognized as the UK’s premier supply chain in the industry. We strive to dispatch all UK orders within 48 hours, ensuring our installers stay ahead of their schedules. Equipment RADIX offers a variety of hand-held machines and numerous drive head adapters suitable for a wide range of applications. Our most sought-after option is the starter kit pack, which includes all the essential tools and a selection of screw sizes to kickstart your installation journey. Additionally, we provide an exclusive range of site survey and testing equipment – vital for projects that require building control, including a compression test kit. Support RADIX boasts a team of dedicated employees who are champions in their specific industry. This includes working in the modular and prefabricated industry completing installations, fabricating kit form extensions and developing how ground screws are used on pre- approved system builds, including testing protocols and data analysis. Here to support individuals and businesses as they begin to adopt ground screws as their foundation solution, meeting in person to discuss a tailored approach that suits their individual needs, including an assisted live demonstration of the products available either prior to, or once purchased. Showroom At RADIX, we take pleasure in welcoming visitors to our showroom located in Dundee. We provide guided tours of our facilities, answering all your questions, and offering in-depth information about our products to enhance your understanding.
SERVICES RADIX Supply and Installation RADIX is extremely proud to have a national installation service, who go through a rigorous selection and training program, which includes our accredited No More Digging partners across the UK all working to ensure you only receive the highest standards, best customer support and value. The advantage of using our local installers will mean that, in almost every case, your installation team will be within a 50-mile radius of your project. Have good knowledge of ground conditions and will have installed many similar projects. You will be able to build a direct rapport with them. This also ensures in the event you need anything altered after an installation, the team are local enough to assist and keep your project on track without unwanted delays.
SERVICES Reasons To Use Our Accredited Installation Teams To Install Your Screw Foundations Customised solutions Our teams can provide tailored solutions based on the specific requirements of your project. They can assess the load requirements, soil type, and environmental conditions to determine the most suitable type and placement of ground screws. Environmental consideration Our teams of installers are often more aware of and equipped to handle environmental concerns. Screw Foundations are more eco- friendly, and our professionals ensure that the process has minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Management of risk and obstacles Our professional installation teams are trained to assess and manage risks associated with the installation. They understand how to navigate challenges like underground utilities, varying soil conditions, rocks and boulders, and environmental factors, reducing the likelihood of costly errors. Time and cost-efficiency Opting for our professional installations can be more cost-effective in the long run. Professionals can avoid the mistakes and inefficiencies common in DIY or unqualified installations, leading to a faster and more reliable installation process, cutting 70% off the average project time. Specialised equipment Our professionals have access to specialised tools and machinery designed for ground screw installations. This equipment is crucial for handling different soil types and conditions, ensuring that the installation is not only effective but also safe. Professional advice and support Our experienced and friendly installation teams will keep you updated throughout the entire process, documenting all relevant information and providing you with any answers to your questions in a fully transparent and easy to understand manner. Expertise and precision Our accredited installation teams bring specialised knowledge and skills to the table. Their understanding of the intricacies involved in installing screw foundations ensures that the job is done with the utmost precision, which is vital for the stability and durability of the structure. Long-term reliability With professional installations, you can expect a higher level of reliability and longevity from your screw foundations. Professionals ensure that the screws are installed to bear the required loads effectively over an extended period, reducing the likelihood of future problems. Enhanced safety during installation Safety is a paramount concern in any construction-related activity. RADIX’s installers follow strict safety protocols to protect themselves, clients, and the fixture or structure during installation, minimising the risk of accidents.
At RADIX, our team's ability to rapidly design, manufacture and install bespoke structural platforms on RADIX Screw Piles in a turnkey solution significantly reduces programme lengths and allows project funding to be released sooner. In addition to site surveys and load testing, plus our installation services, we offer a full project design and planning service, no matter the size of your project. We have a solution for all applications that will be placed on screw foundations. After our initial engagement and basic project analysis and information gathering, we begin the comprehensive collaboration of all our collected data. Our process starts with a design brief, structured like a checklist, where we systematically address key elements such as the project’s address, Ground Investigation (GI) information, and any additional ground or structural data. If certain information is missing, we collaborate with your team or use online or additional professional and technical resources to obtain relevant local data, such as borehole records, underground utilities, etc. The design phase involves integrating data from our surveys, client- provided information, and external resources. Our primary objective here is to create a ground screw or screw pile design solution that is specifically tailored to support the structure being constructed above it which leads to a smooth installation. SERVICES Turnkey Design Service For Bespoke Projects
Analysing site conditions We assess potential soil heave and understand any lateral loads, considering factors like high wind conditions and whether the structure involves concrete, steel, or timber elements. Screw specifications We determine the appropriate specifications for either the type of ground screw or screw pile needed, including their diameter, length, and the size of the flights, incorporating a safety factor for added assurance. Structural integrity checks If we’re installing a steel or similar structure above, we will run the calculations making sure there is no bending in the structure, that the bolt connections are good and the relevant calculations that go to that component. Upon completion, we produce a detailed 20-page design document. This document outlines the required specifications for screws and any additional materials like steel, timber, or concrete. It includes data sheets for the screws and a comprehensive list of other relevant details. This document will give you a clear understanding of the design and the next steps. In some instances, particularly for high-risk projects, we revise the initial budget quotation based on the finalized design. This allows us to provide you with a precise cost estimate. SERVICES Turnkey Design Service For Bespoke Projects
Building a better future together on the right foundations. Consultancy and design Industry-leading screw pile foundations Powerful installation and testing equipment Specialist testing and installation services Learn about our efficient and low-carbon solutions and sustainability goals at radixgroup.co.uk/sustainability Head Office (Global Sales) Unit 1 Edison Place Dryburgh Ind Est Dundee DD2 3QU +44 (0)1382 819458 sales@radixgroup.co.uk Website radixgroup.co.uk
Reduced piling mat sizes RADIX Screw Piles do not require heavy-duty installation equipment, which in turn reduces the thickness of the piling mat needed and associated costs. Zero removal of spoils Avoiding heavy excavation removes the need to move spoils from site, saving additional time and lowering transport costs. Reduced vehicle movements With no need to remove spoils from the site, vehicle movements are reduced by approximately 66%. Low carbon footprint RADIX Screw Piles contain less than half the embodied carbon (CO2e) than an equivalent concrete solution. Delivering time, cost, and environmental savings As well as significantly reducing programme lengths, RADIX Screw Piles are lowering many of the costs associated with the groundworks required for prefabricated building solutions. RADIX Screw Piles are installed without the need for heavy machinery, excessive excavations, or extensive piling mats, reducing the volume of materials needing to be transported to and from site and the overall vehicle movements by 66%. In addition to lowering the carbon impact of truck movements, RADIX Screw Piles contain less than half the embodied carbon than an equivalent concrete base and avoid contributing to the 6-10% of carbon emissions attributed to concrete production of concrete globally. Working together to build a net-zero future
RADIX 89mm Extendable Ground Screw Piles Efficient, robust foundations for heavier load capacities Our screw pile foundation solutions are reducing civils programme by up to 70% compared to equivalent concrete bases, and we can install any time of the year and in all weather to deliver foundations that can be built on immediately. Offering safe load-bearing capacities exceeding 200kN per screw pile in suitable ground conditions, our expert teams are testing and installing RADIX Screw Piles to depths exceeding 10m to deliver the load-bearing requirements for all scales of projects. Excavation / Earthworks Installation RADIX Screw Piles overcome challenging site locations and ground conditions, accessing built-up urban or off-grid areas and overcoming areas of soft and waterlogged ground. SCREW PILES
SIP BUILDINGS What is a SIP Building? SIP Buildings employ Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), which are one of the most airtight and well-insulated building systems available. Sip building panels are constructed from an insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings, typically made of oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs afford impressive thermal performance and airtightness. With their consistently high insulating properties, they dramatically reduce energy consumption. SIPs disrupt the energy-intensive processes typically associated with construction, advocating instead for lean, efficient installation. The panels have quick installation times, and remarkable strength, making them an attractive option for modern builders and architects. A building made of sip panels has a relatively low weight, so concrete foundations are not needed. This is why the versatility, price, and strength of our ground screws or screw piles are the perfect pairing for sip buildings. Sip building solutions are a modern construction approach, and are being commonly used in SIP house building with modern house designs, eco houses, passive houses as well as commercial buildings of all sizes. Contact Us
Contact Us HOUSE FOUNDATIONS Build a house on screw foundations Eco-friendly foundations for modern houses, eco-houses, passive houses, cottages and modular buildings. Screw foundations offer unparalleled stability and durability. These foundations are not only quick to install, but also minimise environmental impact, making them an ideal foundations for houses and modular building. Whether you’re constructing houses on uneven terrain or in flood-prone areas, RADIX’s screw foundations provide a steadfast solution. Our focus goes beyond providing the building blocks for construction. It also drives us to equip custom house builders, new house builders, and eco house builders alike with the right foundations. We don’t just work with large UK house builders, our reach extends to passionate small house builders. In the realm of house construction, foundation choices vary widely. Traditional foundations, like concrete slab foundations, basement foundations, pier and beam foundations, raft or mat foundations, or crawl space foundations, have been the norm for years. However, RADIX’s screws offer a compelling alternative, providing benefits such as reduced installation time and enhanced stability