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Technical articles

What are ground screws used for?

T-Block Team • 28 May 2026 • 2 min read
Timber platform under a white marquee in a park, resting on T-Block ground screws

Ground screws are a deep foundation system that transfers the loads of a structure to the ground quickly, in a controlled way and without pouring concrete. Thanks to their versatility, they are used in many fields, from light installations to more complex structures.

All the applications, with completed projects, are gathered in the guide to ground screws.

What a ground screw does

The main job of a screw foundation is to:

  • Transfer the vertical loads of the structure to the ground
  • Keep the structure stable under horizontal forces as well
  • Limit settlement and ground movement

How it behaves structurally depends on the interaction between:

  • The geometry of the screw
  • The installation depth
  • The geotechnical properties of the soil

Where they are used

Ground screws can be used in many settings, depending on the type of load and structure.

Light applications

  • Street furniture (benches, litter bins)
  • Garden structures (gazebos, pergolas, swings)
  • Temporary installations

In these cases smaller screws are used, often installed by hand.

Structural applications

  • Prefabricated houses
  • Timber structures
  • Decks and platforms
  • Light and medium-heavy works

Here longer, larger-diameter screws are used, designed to carry higher loads.

When they are the right choice

Screw foundations are especially suitable when:

  • You want to avoid building a concrete slab
  • Installation has to be quick
  • The impact on the ground has to be kept low
  • The site has limited access

Practical advantages

On site, the system offers:

  • Immediate installation, with no curing time
  • No excavation, formwork or reinforcement
  • Can be removed and reused
  • Adaptability to different soil conditions

Choosing the right T-Block

Correct design means selecting the T-Block according to:

  • The loads involved
  • The type of structure
  • The soil conditions
  • The installation environment

This ensures the right performance and long-term durability.

Conclusion

Ground screws are a reliable, versatile technical system that can replace conventional foundations in many applications. Contact T-Block for a technical assessment and to choose the right solution for your project.

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