Having the ability to prevent your building from moving or settling during an earthquake is important. If your structure was constructed in an earthquake zone, you might consider adding screw piles to help strengthen the building's foundation. Retrofitting your building with screw piles is simple when you have access to the right equipment.

Here are three vital pieces of equipment you should have available when installing screw piles in the future.

1. Skid Steer Loader

In order to being the installation process as you retrofit your building with screw piles, you will need to be able to access the foundation of the structure. This often means moving large quantities of dirt out of the way.

You will want to ensure that you have access to a skid steer loader that is capable of clearing away enough dirt to expose your building's foundation. A skid steer loader will be a valuable tool throughout the screw pile installation process, so be sure that you have one available for use.

2. Hydraulic Torque Drill

Screw piles are installed by turning the devices into the ground, much like you would turn a screw into a piece of wood. Because the ground below your building's foundation can be compacted and difficult to work with, you will need a specialized drill when installing screw piles.

A hydraulic torque drill can produce enough power to accurately place your screw piles while still allowing you to retain total control over the installation process. Hydraulic torque drills come in modular form, or as attachments that can be added to larger pieces of construction equipment. Be sure to select the drill setup that is best suited to meet your installation needs.

3. Torque Measuring Device

Once your screw piles have been installed, you will need to ensure they are capable of protecting your building from damage during an earthquake. This is done by measuring the amount of torque the screw piles can withstand.

You will need to have a torque measuring device available to test the strength and structural integrity of your screw piles so that you know if the devices you have installed are capable of keeping your building intact, or if you need to continue adding screw piles for maximum protection.

Installing screw piles can be a simple and effective way to protect your building against damage during an earthquake. Be sure that you have the right equipment available and the screw pile installation process should go smoothly. Contact a company, like Alberta Screw Piles LTD., for more help.