06/05/2026
The Stroma Update: Why "Ground Screws" Are Failing, and Why Heli Pile® Is the Solution
A February 2026 announcement from Stroma Building Control has sent shockwaves through the industry. In it, Stroma declared that they would "no longer accept applications for foundation designs that propose the use of metal ground screws". A second technical update in April 2026 clarified the position, permitting ground screws only under certain rigorous criteria. By doing this, Stroma has addressed a long-standing issue - one we wholeheartedly agree with - regarding piles that are not adequately tested on site.
Heli Pile is not affected by this decision. While the confusion is understandable due to our helical profile, the technical reality is fundamentally different: Heli Pile is an impact-driven pile, not a screw pile or a ground screw. Further, there is no guesswork - our system is always fully tested on site in-situ.
Stroma's Concern
Stroma’s update targets a specific failure in the ground screw market. Many ground screw installers rely on a correlation between installation torque and hypothetical axial capacity. Stroma has rightly noted that "site torque testing in itself is not a sufficient demonstration of adequacy". These systems often rely on "lab" design tests that fail to reflect actual site conditions.
Why Heli Pile Is Unaffected
Heli Pile is not screwed into the ground under torque. It is a hammer-driven piling system.
Installation: Driven via a high-frequency pneumatic hammer (900–1700 bpm).
Mechanism: While it has a helical profile, it turns as it is driven, rather than driving as it is turned. This creates a secure mechanical interlock and compresses the surrounding substrate, increasing end-bearing pressure.
Verification: We do not guess capacity. Heli Pile capacity is tested on-site, in situ.
How We Exceed Stroma's Requirements
Stroma’s April update demands axial testing post-installation. For Heli Pile, this is our standard operating procedure.
If you have specified Heli Pile, your project is not under threat. We provide the evidence that Stroma is looking for because our system was built on the principle of verification, not estimation.
Don't let the ground screw ban stall your project. Switch to a system that provides structural certainty.
