How Helical Piles Are Redefining Railway Engineering

Helical Piles also known as Screw Piles are a type of deep foundation that does not make use of resources and money as much as a concrete foundation does. In the evolving field of railways, innovations in its engineering are vital in an era where sustainability is the key aspect to survival and growth. Rajog Ground Screw understands this very aspect and is transforming the railway landscape with its customizable option of Shaft diameter, shaft length, shaft thickness, number of helices, thickness of helices and the diameter of the helices. In this blog, we will explore the various ways in which helical piles are redefining railway engineering, their unique benefits, applications and future potential.

Helical Piles – A Deep Foundation System

Helical Piles also known as screw piles are a type of deep foundation system, characterised by a steel shaft with one or more helix-shaped bearing plates welded to it. These piles are screwed into the ground, using specialized machinery, with little to no excavation of surrounding territorial weeds, plants and habitats. The deep foundation provides stability to various structures, including railway tracks, bridges, buildings and more. Screwed into the depth of the land, the screw piles ensures the stability and longevity of the infrastructure for decades to come.

The Load-Bearing Capacity of Helical Piles

One of the outstanding features of helical piles is their ability to support extremely heavy loads. These foundation systems can bear loads upto 5000 kN, making them ideal for supporting the weight of railways, where the infrastructure must withstand the dynamic forces generated by moving trains.

The Historical Roots of Helical Piles

The concept of helical piles date back to 1800’s, when they were first invented as a solution for creating stable foundation in challenging environment. Over the years, their design and application has evolved, leading to a modern, high-efficient systems we use today. Screw Piles are continuously evolving to meet the demand of sustainable growth and contemporary engineering projects.

Applications of Helical Piles in Railway Engineering

Helical piles/screw piles have a wide range of applications in railway engineering, including:

#1. Roadbeds:

Roadbeds are the foundation layers on which the railway tracks are laid. It provides a stable base that distributes the weight of the trains, ensuring smooth and safe operation over time. Helical piles play a crucial role in reinforcing these roadbeds, offering additional stability and preventing settlement, particularly in challenging soil conditions. Their use ensures that the roadbeds remain secure and reliable, even under the heavy and dynamic loads imposed by trains.

#2. Trackside Platforms:

Tracksides are the areas adjacent to the railway tracks, typically used for essential infrastructure such as platforms, signal systems, and maintenance access. Helical piles for trackside applications provide strong and stable foundations for these critical structures, ensuring they remain secure and functional even in challenging soil conditions. Their use helps maintain the integrity of trackside infrastructure, contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of the railway system.

#3. Wayside Signals:

Wayside signals are signalling devices located along the railway tracks that provide essential information to train operators, such as speed limits, track conditions, and stop or go commands. Helical piles are used to support the foundations of these wayside signals, ensuring they remain stable and operational in various environmental conditions. Their robust design allows for quick installation and reliable performance, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the signalling systems.

The Future of Helical Piles in Railway Engineering

As railway engineering continues to evolve, the role of helical piles and helical piles foundations, are poised to play an even more significant role in future projects. With their quick installation, high load-bearing capacity, adaptability to different soil conditions and textures, and eco-friendly solution, they are the best alternative to traditional foundations both in terms of resource-saving and preserving ecological biodiversity.

Customization and Manufacturing: Rajog Ground Screw

Rajog Ground Screw – One of the top ground screw manufacturers and exporters in India, specializes in manufacturing custom helical piles, offering variations in shaft diameter, shaft thickness, shaft length, number of helices, thickness of helices, and the diameter of helices. This level of customization allows railway engineers to tailor the piles to specific project requirements for optimal performance in any given situation.

In conclusion, opting for helical piles as a foundation will undoubtedly shape railway engineering for the better. Contact Rajog Ground Screw and be a part of revolutionary changes toward a more sustainable and progressive future in railway infrastructure.