FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for installation and validation of a screw pile being installed in the ground. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an installation validation document for at least one screw pile installed in the ground, moreover the invention relates to a computer program and a computer- implemented method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today, when building a house or another construction, the typical way of constructing a foundation is by the method of making a direct foundation where a large hole is excavated in the ground and the hole is filled with concrete or a combination of sand and concrete.

At some construction sites, depending on the ground conditions, the holes made for the foundation may be several meters deep, meaning that the amount of soil that must be removed and the sand and concrete needed to be filled in the hole is extremely high.

The preparation of a reliable and approved foundation made by the method of excavating a hole and fill it with concrete and sand is very time consuming and have a very high cost.

Alternatively, some foundation is made by large foundation piles being hammered into the ground.

The preparation of a reliable and approved foundation made by foundation piles is also a very time consuming process and a process that disturb the surroundings of the construction site, since the vibrations from the installation of the foundation piles is distributed over a large area, moreover this foundation method is also extremely expensive.

However, in many countries around the world, the only way of having a foundation for a construction approved by the authorities and/or the insurance companies is by using one of the above methods, and thereby leaving the entrepreneurs with no other choices of obtaining an approved foundation.

Hence, an improved method of foundation for a construction would be advantageous, and in particular a more efficient and/or reliable method of foundation for a construction would be advantageous.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a method of foundation for a construction that solves the above mentioned problems.

Furthermore, it may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a validation documentation of a foundation for a construction.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the above described object and several other objects are intended to be obtained in a first aspect of the invention by providing a method for installation and validation of a screw pile being installed in the ground, said method comprising the steps of:

- placing at least one screw pile at a location,

- providing means for screwing the at least one screw pile into the ground, preferably a drilling apparatus,

- starting screwing the at least one screw pile into the ground by the means for screwing,

- measuring, by means of a measurement system, during the process of screwing the screw pile into the ground , at least a set of installation parameters comprising:

- torsion and/or torque,

- penetration depth, and

- generating an output indicative of said installation parameters, providing an installation validation of the at least one screw pile.

It should be understood, that the steps can be performed in any order, subsequently and/or simultaneously. Preferably, the installation parameters are measured simultaneously with screwing the screw pile into the ground, so as to provide measured data to document the screw pile installation process. The bearing capacity can e.g. be estimated or calculated.

The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a foundation of a construction, such as a building or the like, wherein the means for foundation can be used immediately. The screw pile can be used directly after manufacturing, while a concrete foundation pile can be used at the earliest after 1-2 months from the production. The time of making a foundation for a construction can most likely be made at one single day with screw piles, wherein the normal foundation methods might takes weeks or even months.

Furthermore, the screw pile foundation method of the invention obtain an economically great advantage. The estimated average savings of a foundation is 25 - 275% obtained by replacing traditional foundations with screw piles.

Also, there is a great environmental benefit, since steel screws can be recycled, and the foundations can be climate-adapted.

In addition, the invention is advantageous for obtaining a foundation of a construction, wherein the foundation with screw piles does not provide excess soil to be removed, when installing the pile.

The absence of excess soil provides a great benefits at grounds, with contaminated soil. When using a direct foundation the soil must be excavated and the soil must be disposed thereafter, which can be a huge problem, if the soil is contaminated.

Moreover, the work environment is a lot better for the craftsmen, since this method of making a foundation for a construction is less physically stressful.

In the context of the invention, a "screw pile" may be understood as a screw-in piling and ground anchoring system used for (building) deep foundations. The screw piles sizes of tubular hollow sections or anchors shaft can vary. The hollow sections can have any form, such as circular, square, etc. Also, screw piles might be referred to as screw-piles, screw piers, screw anchors, screw foundations, ground screws, helical piles, helical piers, or helical anchors.

The screw pile is within the context of the invention preferably made by metal, such as steel, but the invention should not be understood as being limited to the use of screw piles made in steel.

In the context of the invention, the "installation parameters" may be understood as parameters being measured/collected during the installation of the one or more screw piles of a project.

The Installation parameters may be measured as: the ratio of torque and depth.

In the context of the invention, the "construction" may be understood as anything from a building, a house, a light-weight house, a high-rise building, terraces, sheds, garages, solar plants, signs (road signs), masts, (temporary) stiffeners/supports and many other constructions.

In some embodiments, the method comprises to stop screwing the screw pile into the ground when predetermined thresholds of installation parameters are reached, and wherein the installation validation validates that the installed screw pile fulfils predetermined thresholds of the installation parameters. A stop criterion can be set up based on penetration depth data and torsion and/or torque data, such that the screwing process can be automatically or manually stopped, when it has been determined that bearing capacity of the screw pile has been obtained. In an embodiment of the invention, the coordinates of top side of bearing layer in the underground is a further parameter for stopping screwing the pile into the ground.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a more reliable point of stopping the screwing of the pile. When taking the conditions of the grounds into consideration, the stopping point can be calculated even more reliable.

In an embodiment of the invention, the progression depth and/or rotational angle is a further parameter for stopping screwing the pile into the ground. The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a more reliable point of stopping the screwing of the pile. When taking the progression depth and/or rotational angle into consideration, the stopping point can be calculated even more reliable.

If both the parameter are measured, the (installation) progression depth is compared with the angle of rotation. If a wing on a screw pile "displaces" vertically e.g. 5 cm at once, then in order to get a perfect installation, the screw pile must be installed 5 cm in the ground per turn.

Also the parameters could be measured as progression speed and/or rotational speed, and/or the ratio of progression speed and rotational speed.

In an embodiment of the invention, the installation validation comprises at least the validation parameters being measured after the installation:

- depth of at least one installed screw pile,

- torque and/or torque of at least one installed screw pile, and

- location of at least one installed screw pile, preferably using a GPS.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a validation of the installation of the one or more screw piles.

The validation parameters can be used to validate that the installation of the screw piles was conducted correctly.

The validation parameters may be used directly in the validation installation or may be used to calculate other relevant data for the installation validation.

In the context of the invention, the "validation parameters" are parameters being measured/collected after the installation of the one or more screw piles of a project.

In an embodiment of the invention, the installation validation comprises one or more of the validation parameters:

- load capacity of at least one screw pile, estimated or measured,

- number of screw piles connected to a construction-project, and installation angle. The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a validation of the installation of the one or more screw piles being even more reliable.

In the context of the invention, a "measured load capacity" is a load capacity being measured at the construction site.

In the context of the invention, an "estimated load capacity" is a load capacity being estimated from such as a machine learning algorithm (Artificial intelligence).

In the context of the invention, an "installation angle" is the angle wherein the screw pile is installed in the ground. Most often, the angle will be 0 degrees relative to a vertical line and 90 degree relative to the horizontal ground line, however in some cases the installation angle of the screw pile might have another angles.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises generating an installation validation document suitable for being transmitted, such as an electronic document and/or as physical document.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a document that can be transmitted to relevant parties, such as insurance companies, the building owner or other interested and relevant parties.

In the context of the invention, an "electronic document" might be understood as a Word, a PDF or any other document suitable for being viewed on an electronic device screen.

In the context of the invention, a "physical document" might be understood as a paper document or anything the like.

In an embodiment of the invention, the installation validation document comprises at least the load bearing capacity of each installed screw pile and the depth of each installed screw pile and the total load bearing capacity of all screw piles associated to a construction project. The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a installation validation document, wherein the load bearing capacity is evidently documented. The load bearing capacity should be measured or estimated for each of the screw piles and as a total measured or estimated load bearing capacity for the entire construction project. Furthermore, the depth of each screw pile should be calculated/collected and described in the validation document, so as to support the calculation or estimation of the load bearing capacity.

In an embodiment of the invention, the measurement system comprises a measurement unit attached between the screw pile and the means for screwing, preferably on the top of the screw pile.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a reliable measurement of the relevant data (parameters) of the installation of the screw pile. The measurement unit is suitable for mearing during the installation of screw piles (installation parameters) and after the installation of the screw piles (validation parameters).

In an embodiment of the invention, the measurement system comprises at least one strain gauge.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining an even more reliable and effective measurement system.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of storing data indicative of at least said set of installation parameters and/or validation parameters in at least one database.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a method, wherein all the measured data is stored to ensure that the data of a project can always be retrieved in the future if needed.

In addition, the saved data has the great advantageous, that it can be used for developing an algorithm, preferably a machine learning algorithm (artificial intelligence), making the installation of the screw piles even more reliable and efficient and optimally allowing the validation of the installation of screw piles based entirely of the values estimated by said algorithm. In the context of the invention, a "database" may be a physical database and/or a cloud database.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of storing data in a database indicative of one or more screw pile parameters, the one or more screw pile parameters being: diameter, length, thickness, weight, surface material thread pitch, number of threads, thread thickness, size and/or diameter of threads.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a database, wherein the parameters relative to the screw pile can be connected to such as the installation parameters and/or the validation parameters of each unique screw pile, and thereby building a database providing information of the conditions, performances, behaviours and possibilities for each unique shapes, forms and dimensions of a screw pile.

In the context of the invention, the "screw pile parameters" may be seen as all the parameters describing the uniqueness of a pile, being all the parameter that can change from pile to pile, depending on the required performance of the pile.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of storing data in a data base indicative of one or more of geotechnical conditions, the geotechnical conditions being:

- coordinates of top side of bearing layer in the underground

- coordinates of top side conditional sustainable layer,

- water content, - soils species,

- strength parameters of the soil,

- stiffness parameters of the soil,

- deposition environment,

- geological age,

- water level, such as groundwater level,

- date of testing the geotechnical conditions.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a database wherein the parameters relative to the geotechnical condition can be connected to such as the installation parameters and/or the validation parameters of each unique geotechnical condition, and thereby building a database providing information of the conditions, performances, behaviours and possibilities for obtaining a screw pile foundation in any geotechnical condition.

Deposition environment may in the context of the invention be such as marine, Ancylus, Eolian (wind), Fresh-water, Glacier, Marsk, Melt-water, Slide earth, Solifluction earth, topsoil or the like.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the optional step:

- providing a load-bearing capacity test of the installed screw pile.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining an actual test of the load bearing capacity and thereby and actual load bearing capacity value.

The load-bearing capacity can within the invention be estimated from an algorithm, however it is also a possibility to obtain the load bearing capacity by providing an actual load bearing capacity test at the construction site.

In an embodiment of the invention, the a load-bearing capacity test is by a hammer-test, wherein;

- a predetermined load is released from a height to drop down onto the top of the installed screw pile, and

- the depth of the immersion of the screw pile after the test is performed is measured, preferably by lasers or sensors. The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a reliable load bearing capacity test and a test being suitable for being performed at a construction site.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of using at least part of said stored data in a machine learning algorithm, thereby preferably continuously improving the method of installation of a screw pile into the ground.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a method, wherein a machine learning algorithm is suitable for being used to estimate the parameter(s) and value(s) needed for obtaining a reliable and adequate screw pile foundation.

The database will by every single screw pile being installed in the ground be supplied with more useable information to be used in the development and the improvement of a machine learning algorithm. Eventually, the database will comprise an acceptable amount of information relative to installing screw piles for obtaining a reliable foundation, so the that the output of estimated parameter(s) and values(s) made by the machine learning algorithm using artificial intelligence will be extremely high quality and extremely reliable.

In an embodiment of the invention, the machine learning algorithm is arranged to determine when to stop screwing the screw pile into the ground.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a reliable stopping point for each screw pile being installed.

The machine learning algorithm will most likely estimate the stopping point by determining the final installation depth of the at least one screw pile based on the coordinates of the top side of bearing layer in the underground.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprising the step of:

- generating an output when predetermined thresholds of parameters are reached to cause the means to stop screwing, such as generating an output to an operator or generating a control signal to the means for screwing.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining an method for installing a screw pile into the ground, wherein the point of stopping the screwing of the piles is automatically estimated by an algorithm. The stopping is either done automatically by a control signal send to the screwing apparatus or the point of stopping is clearly shown to an operator, so the operator can stop the screwing. Thereby the screw will never has to be screwed into an unnecessary deep depth, and both material and time can be saved by having an automatically output generated.

In some embodiments, the installation validation comprises at least data indicative of how each installed screw pile was screwed into the ground, such as a validation that a correct screw direction was applied. In this way, e.g. involving a sensor on the screwing apparatus, a correct direction of screwing during installation can be documented, which thereby serves to document the quality of the installed screw pile, since wrong screw direction and/or over screwing or under screwing during the screwing process will significantly reduce the bearing capacity of the screw pile.

In an embodiment of the invention, the machine learning algorithm is arranged to determine when to stop screwing the screw pile into the ground based on an estimated load-bearing capacity determined by the algorithm.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a reliable estimation of the stopping point of the screw pile.

In an embodiment of the invention, the machine learning algorithm is trained to improve the determination of an estimated load-bearing capacity.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a machine learning algorithm, wherein the algorithm is trained and thereby improved every single time a screw pile is installed by the method. In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises providing a feedback, preferably a real-time feedback, indicative of how the screw pile penetrates into the ground in response to the installation parameters, during screwing the screw pile into the ground.

This feedback can be provided as a visual feedback on a display to the operator who can control the screwing process, e.g. operate a force or vibration or hammering applied to the screw pile during screwing the screw pile into the ground.

The feedback can alternatively or additionally be provided to a controller for controlling a force or vibration or hammering applied to the screw pile, so as to avoid over screwing or under screwing the screw pile, which will lead to a sub optimal bearing capacity.

In further embodiments, the method comprises providing an output indicative of how the screw pile penetrated into the ground during the screwing the screw pile into the ground, e.g. generating data indicative of a tracking of angualar rotation of the screw pile versus penetration depth during the screwing the screw pile into the ground.

Especially, the method may comprise providing data indicative of said feedback as part of the installation validation. Thus, an installation validation document may comprise data indicating information about how the screw pile was screwed into the ground, e.g. involving data measeured about angular rotation of the screw pile versus penetration depth so as to document if the over screwed or under screwed during the installation process.

Especially, the method may comprise determining a screw direction during the screwing the screw pile into the ground, and generating an output indicative of a rotation direction of the screw pile, such as providing data indicative of said feedback as part of the installation validation.

Especially, the method may comprise applying a force or vibration or hammering in a longitudinal direction on the screw pile during the screwing the screw pile into the ground, wherein at least one parameter of said force or vibration or hammering is controlled, automatically or manually, in response to the mentioned feedback indicative of how the screw pile penetrates into the ground. In this way, it is possible for an operator to control a force or vibration or hammering magnitude to ensure that the screw pile is installed in an optimal way without over screwing or under screwing, i.e. the optimal ratio between angular rotation and penetration depth has been obtained during the screwing process for the given threading of the screw pile. Such force or vibration or hammering may be applied by the screwing apparatus as a built-in function. Specifically, the force or vibration or hammering may be controlled in response to said feedback of how the screw pile penetrates into the ground so as to avoid over screwing or under screwing the screw pile into the ground, e.g. automatically controlled by an algorithm, or manually by an operator based on a visual display indicating the feedback regarding how the pile screwing process progresses, e.g. involving displaying graph indicating angular rotation versus penetration depth or the like. Specifically, the method may comprise generating data indicative of said at least one parameter, such as magnitude, of said force or vibration or hammering during screwing the screw pile into the ground. Especially, such data may be provided as part of the installation validation.

In preferred embodiments, the installation validation comprises data indicative of how the screw pile was screwed into the ground. Especially, the installation validation may comprise data indicative of at least measured rotation and depth data during screwing the screw pile into the ground to verify how the screw pile was installed.

The invention further relates to a second aspect being an installation validation document for at least one screw pile installed in the ground, wherein the document comprises at least the parameters of:

- load-bearing capacity of each installed screw pile, said load-bearing capacity being either calculated on measured data or estimated by an machine learning algorithm,

- depth of each installed screw pile, and

- the total load bearing capacity of screw piles associated to a construction project. This aspect of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a document validating the reliability of the installed screw pile foundation made for a construction, such as a building.

The installation validation document is suitable for being transmitted to relevant parties, such as insurance companies, the building owner, stakeholders or other interested and relevant parties.

In an embodiment of the installation validation document, the document provides insurance guarantee for the screw pile installation.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a document that can be transmitted to insurance companies, such that the building owners and/or entrepreneur can obtain an insurance guarantee for the foundation of the building, such as a house. Preferably, the guarantee will be obtain on the entire construction, which is built on the foundation.

In an embodiment of the installation validation document, the installation validation document further comprises one or more of:

- installation parameter(s), such as:

- progression depth and/or rotational angle

- torsion and/or torque,

- penetration depth,

- validation parameter(s), such as:

- depth of at least one installed screw pile,

- torque and/or torsion of at least one installed screw pile, and

- location of at least one installed screw pile, preferably using a GPS.

- load bearing capacity of at least one screw pile, estimated or measured,

- number of screw piles connected to a construction-project, installation angle

- screw pile parameter(s), such as:

- diameter, length,

- thickness, - weight,

- surface material

- thread pitch, number of threads,

- thread thickness,

- size and/or diameter of threads.

- geotechnical condition(s) in the underground, such as

- coordinates of top side of bearing layer in the underground

- coordinates of top side conditional sustainable layer,

- water content,

- soils species,

- strength parameters of the soil,

- stiffness parameters of the soil,

- deposition environment,

- geological age,

- water level, such as groundwater level,

- date of testing the geotechnical conditions,

- results of a load-bearing capacity test of at least one screw pile, preferably by a hammer-test.

The embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining a even more reliable installation validation documentation.

The invention further relates to a third aspect being, a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out at least the steps S4 and S7 of the method of the first aspect.

The invention further relates to a fourth aspect being, a computer-implemented method of validating the installation of at least one screw pile, the method comprising: receiving data representing the installation parameters, while installing the at least one screw pile, receiving data representing the validation parameters, after installation of the at least one screw pile, providing an installation validation of the at least one screw pile, preferably through a installation validation document.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provide a screw pile installation system comprising a drilling apparatus and a measurement system arranged to screw a screw pile into the ground according to the method according to the first aspect.

Especially, the measurement system may comprise measurement sensors arranged to measure at least: 1) torsion and/or torque, and 2) penetration depth, during screwing the screw pile into the ground. Especially, the the screw pile system may comprise a sensor arranged to measure a screw direction, during screwing the screw pile into the ground.

Especially, the system may comprise a wired or wireless transmitter arranged to generate output data indicative of measured installation parameters, further comprising a computer system arranged to provide an installation validation document according to the second aspect, such as an installation validation document in a digital format.

The system may comprise a mechanism arranged to apply a force or vibration or a hammering longitudinally on the screw pile during screwing the screw pile into the ground. Especially, the system may comprise a control system arranged to control said mechanism at least with respect to one parameter of the force or vibration or hammering action during screwing the screw pile into the ground. Specifically, the control system may operate to control a magnitude of the force or vibration or hammering action in response to a measured relation between rotation and penetration depth, during screwing the screw pile into the ground, so as to avoid over screwing or under screwing the screw pile.

The first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspect of the present invention may each be combined with any of the other aspects. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The method according to the invention will now be described in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and is not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

FIG. 1 illustrates a house build on a screw pile foundation.

FIG. 2 illustrates different types of screw pile.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow-chart for a screw pile plan of a building project.

FIG. 4 illustrates smaller construction using screw pile foundations.

FIG. 5 illustrates a drilling apparatus and a screw pile at a construction site.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow of data from a measurement system to a database.

FIG. 7 illustrates an installation graph of the parameters depth and torsion. FIG. 8a and 8b illustrate steps of two different method embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

In the following, the figures will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 illustrates a house 500 built on a screw pile foundation. The screw foundation is made by a method embodiment for installation and validation of a screw pile being installed in the ground, said method embodiment comprising the steps of:

- placing at least one screw pile 100 at a location,

- providing means for screwing 200 the at least one screw pile into the ground, preferably a drilling apparatus,

- starting screwing the at least one screw pile into the ground by the means for screwing,

- measuring, by means of a measurement system 300, during the process of screwing the screw pile into the ground , at least a set of installation parameters comprising :

- torsion and/or torque,

- penetration depth, and - optionally, stop screwing the screw pile into the ground when predetermined thresholds of installation parameters are reached,

- generating an output indicative of said installation parameters,

- providing an installation validation of the at least one screw pile, optionally that the installation validation validates that the installed screw pile fulfils predetermined thresholds of the installation parameters.

In FIG. 1, the ground and soil are not directly illustrated, however the FIG. 1 may be understood as the illustrated screw piles 100 being installed in the ground. The number of screw piles and the position of the screw piles illustrated in FIG. 1, should only be seen as an example of numbers and position. The numbers of screw piles 100 can vary a lot within the invention, as parameters such as the ground conditions, the screw piles parameters, the constructions conditions (size and dimensions of such as the house, material of the house 500, use of the house, and more) have an impact of the numbers of piles. The same counts for the positions of the piles in a building project 500.

A main number of the screw piles is positions below the corners and edges of the house. This will be preferable at some building project and not preferable in others.

FIG. 2 illustrates different types of screw pile.

A screw pile may within the invention be understood as a plurality of numbers of different kind and models of screw piles. The screw piles sizes of tubular hollow sections for the pile or anchors shaft will vary. Some screw piles might be made as helix screw piles and other as ground screw pile, and some might be formed differently from any of the screw piles illustrated in FIG. 2.

Screw pile parameters may within the invention be: diameter, length, thickness, weight, surface material thread pitch, number of threads, thread thickness, size and/or diameter of threads.

The screw piles illustrated in FIG. 2 is made by steel, but the invention should not be understood as being limited to the use of screw piles made in steel.

FIG. 3 illustrates a roughly flow-chart overview of the overall method for getting a screw pile plan ready for using the plan for further documentation of the foundation of a building project.

The overall flow-chart might vary within the invention and should therefore not be seen as limiting to the scope of the invention.

In the flow-chart of FIG. 3:

Step one is making an soil investigation, so that the ground conditions will be known in the project. This soil investigation can be made in several ways already known today.

Step two is deciding which model(s) of the screw piles to be used for the project to make a reliable foundation. The decision of screw pile model(s) may be made according to the result of the soil investigation.

Step 3 is making an initial pile plane, wherein the expected (approx.) number and (approx.) position of the screw piles are illustrated.

Step 4 is recording the torque of the piles. This can either be made by measuring the torque (it may be on a test pile) or by estimating the torque (via a machine learning algorithm).

Step 5 is making an updated pile plan, if needed, according to the result of step 4. Step 6 is finishing the documentation for the screw pile foundation, and making a document ready for documenting the reliability of the foundation.

The document will preferably be an installation validation document for at least one screw pile installed in the ground, wherein the document comprises at least the parameters of:

- load-bearing capacity of each installed screw pile, said load-bearing capacity being either calculated on measured data or estimated by an machine learning algorithm,

- depth of each installed screw pile, and

- the total load bearing capacity of screw piles associated to a construction project. and wherein the document provides insurance guarantee for the screw pile installation.

The installation validation document may be suitable for being transmitted, such as an electronic document and/or as physical document.

Also, the installation validation document might further comprises one or more of:

- installation parameter(s), such as:

- progression depth and/or rotational angle

- torsion and/or torque,

- penetration depth,

- validation parameter(s), such as:

- depth of at least one installed screw pile,

- torque and/or torsion of at least one installed screw pile, and

- location of at least one installed screw pile, preferably using a GPS.

- load bearing capacity of at least one screw pile, estimated or measured,

- number of screw piles connected to a construction-project, installation angle

- screw pile parameter(s), such as:

- diameter, length,

- thickness,

- weight,

- surface material

- thread pitch, number of threads,

- thread thickness,

- size and/or diameter of threads.

- geotechnical condition(s) in the underground, such as

- coordinates of top side of bearing layer in the underground

- coordinates of top side conditional sustainable layer,

- water content,

- soils species,

- strength parameters of the soil,

- stiffness parameters of the soil, - deposition environment,

- geological age,

- water level, such as groundwater level,

- date of testing the geotechnical conditions,

- results of a load-bearing capacity test of at least one screw pile, preferably by a hammer-test.

FIG. 4 illustrates examples of smaller constructions 500 using a screw pile 100 foundation. It should be understand, that the constructions suitable for having a screw pile foundation made by the method of the invention, should not be limited to only large building projects or houses (normal or lightweight). A screw pile foundation may also within the invention be made for smaller or alternative constructions 500, such as: terraces, sheds, garages, solar plants, signs (road signs), masts, and many other constructions.

FIG. 5 illustrates a drilling apparatus and a screw pile at a construction site. The drilling apparatus illustrates on FIG. 5 is a preferred apparatus for installing the screw in the ground, however it should not be seen as a limitation.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow of data from a measurement system 300 to a database 600. Within the invention the measurement system may comprise a measurement unit attached between the screw pile 100 and the means for screwing, preferably on the top of the screw pile, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The measurement system may comprises at least one strain gauge (not shown). Also, a GPS is preferably provided.

The data 400 measured from the measurement system 300 may within the invention be stored in database 600 and be an indicative of at least said set of installation parameters and/or validation parameters. At least part of said stored data 400 may be used in a machine learning algorithm (using artificial intelligence, Al), and thereby preferably continuously improving the method of installation of a screw pile into the ground.

The machine learning algorithm is preferably arranged to determine when to stop screwing the screw pile 100 into the ground by generating an output when predetermined thresholds of parameters are reached to cause the means 200 to stop screwing, such as generating an output to an operator or generating a control signal to the means for screwing.

Furthermore, the machine learning algorithm is arranged to determine when to stop screwing the screw pile into the ground based on an estimated load-bearing capacity determined by the algorithm and the machine learning algorithm is trained to improve the determination of an estimated load-bearing capacity.

In some embodiments, the operator receives feedback on how the screw pile is being screwed into the ground to allow the operator to take action, e.g. in case the screw pile is screwed in the wrong direction, and if the feedback data 400 from the measurement unit 300 presented to the operator indicate signs of over screwing or under screwing. In case of sign of over screwing or under screwing, the operator may then control the installation apparatus to adjust a force, vibration or hammering applied to the screw pile during the screwing process, or to switch of such force, vibration or hammering, if evaluated to improve the installation.

FIG. 7 illustrates an installation graph of the parameters depth and torsion. The horizontal bold line illustrates the geotechnical studies, which describe how deep top side of the bearing layer is located below the earth's surface.

A minimum torsion is illustrated with the bold vertical line. Thereby, the screw piles can only be approved if their depth/torsion curve comes down into the green area, when installed in the ground.

The calculation of the green area is where machine learning might be relevant, as this becomes more exact, and thereby can move the bold vertical line line further to the left.

FIG. 8a illustrates steps of one method embodiment, i.e. a method for installation and validation of a screw pile being installed in the ground. The embodiment comprises placing at least one screw pile at a location SI, providing S2 means for screwing the at least one screw pile into the ground, preferably a drilling apparatus. Further, starting S3 screwing the at least one screw pile into the ground by the means for screwing. Further, measuring S4, by means of a measurement system, during the process of screwing the screw pile into the ground, at least a set of installation parameters comprising torsion and/or torque, and penetration depth. Further comprising stop screwing S5 the screw pile into the ground when predetermined thresholds of installation parameters are reached. Further, generating S6 an output indicative of said installation parameters, and finally providing S7 an installation validation of the at least one screw pile, wherein the installation validation validates that the installed screw pile fulfils predetermined thresholds of the installation parameters. E.g. the installation validation can be a document in a digital format, such as a non- editable format.

The method embodiment shown in FIG. 8a is advantageous, since an automatic or semiautomatic or manual stop criterion can be set up for the screwing process, so that a calculated or estimated bearing capacity of the screw pile is obtained, based on the torsion and/or torque and penetration depth measurement data, and e.g. other parameters. In this way, screwing can be continued until a setup bearing capacity measure is obtained, and thus extra screw pile extensions can be avoided compared to screwing until e.g. a setup penetration depth is obtained. In other cases, extra penetration depth can be necessary, if the torsion and/or torque measurements indicate that the expected bearing capacity is not yet reached.

FIG. 8b illustrates steps of another method embodiment, where steps S1-S4 are as described above for FIG. 8a. Further, this method embodiment comprises providing S5a a feedback, preferably a real-time feedback, indicative of how the screw pile penetrates into the ground in response to the installation parameters, during screwing S3 the screw pile into the ground. This step S5a may involve calculating a relation between measured penetration depth and angular rotation of the screw pile during the screwing process, so as to monitor if the screw pile is over screwed or under screwed. Further, the method involves generating S6a an output indicative of said installation parameters and said feedback indicative of how the screw pile penetrates into the ground. Finally, providing S7a an installation validation of the at least one screw pile, wherein the installation validation comprises data indicative of said feedback. E.g. the installation validation can be a document in a digital format, such as a non-editable format. The method embodiment shown in FIG. 8b is advantageous, since measured or sensed data related to the screwing process can be included as part of an installation valdation document to document e.g. : 1) that the screw pile has been turned the right way in relation to its threading direction, and 2) that the rotation and penetration depth data indicate that the installation was completed without any periods of over screwing or under screwing. In both of 1) and 2), such documentation ensures a high installation quality of the screw pile with a documented low risk of any unwanted error during installation which could otherwise lead to a bearing capacity of the screw pile being lower than expected.

It is to be understood, that some method embodiments include all of the steps illustrated and described in relation to both of FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as "a" or "an" etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.