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Code Compliance & Technical Specs

Evaluation Service Report (ESR)

An ICC-ES Evaluation Report is a document that presents the findings, conclusions, and recommendations from a particular evaluation. ICC-ES Reports verify that new and innovative building products comply with code requirements. ICC-ES Reports provide information about what code requirements or acceptance criteria were used to evaluate a product, and how the product should be identified, installed and much more.

Review the American Ground Screw evaluation report (ESR-4226).

Technical Specs

For drawings, specifications, and certifications for all American Ground Screw products, visit our ARCAT Profile page.

Soil Capacity Load Chart

Our ICC-certified ground screws can support commercial-grade construction loads up to several tons. Capacity depends on several factors, including the ground screw size, number of screws used, soil type, and installation depth.

Reference this chart to find the right products and consult with our experts for more guidance.

	AXIAL TENSION (LBF)		AXIAL COMPRESSION (LBF)		LATERAL (LBF)³
	SOIL CLASSIFICATION
Ground Screw Diameter	SILTY SAND¹	SANDY CLAY²	SILTY SAND¹	SANDY CLAY²	SILTY SAND¹	SANDY CLAY²
3″ (76mm)	1700	6321	2450	8129	1744	2360
4.5 (114mm)	3400	9644	4977	12823	3519	4394
1 Silty sand classified soil has blow count of 13 2 Sandy clay classified soil has blow count of 25 and a plasticity index of 30 3 Lateral load applied 12 inches above ground surface

Frost Depth

Ground screws resist frost heave when sufficient thread length is installed beneath the frost line. Consult this chart to determine the length of screw needed for local frost conditions.

GROUND SCREW LENGTH BASED ON FROST DEPTH:

Ground screws resist frost heave when sufficient threadlength is installed below the frost line.

24″

Thread Length

(610mm)

For what types of applications do you use ground screws?

Ground screws can be used for virtually every application using columns, posts and beams. Some examples include decks, fencing, solar arrays, light standards, bollards, gazebos, garden sheds, houses, and many more.

How do I determine what size and type of ground screw I need?

The size of ground screw is determined by the load requirements of your project. See the AGS Soil Capacity Load Chart above.

The type of ground screw is determined by the connection to your structure. A Model 3 open top screw is used when a pipe is inserted into the ground screw and the structure is built off the pipe. A solar ground mount system is one example. A flange design is used when you are connecting to columns, posts, beams, etc. We have several flat and U-flange models available as well as custom manufacturing capabilities.

Are American Ground Screws approved in my area?

American Ground Screw products are nationally code compliant for uses listed in section 2.0 of our ICC-ES Evaluation Report (ESR-4226). They are used to transfer axial compression, axial tension and lateral loads from the supported structures to the surrounding soil. When American Ground Screws are installed under the IRC, an engineered design is required in accordance with IRC R301.1.3. Like any building products, your local code official will determine if American Ground Screw products are an acceptable foundation system for your specific project when you submit your permit application.

Our ground screws are accepted in any County or Municipality that recognizes the 2018 International Building Code.

How does frost affect the use of ground screws?

It is recommended that at least two thirds (2/3) of the ground screw threads are below the code recognized frost level in your area.

Do I need to have utilities marked?

Yes. Call 811 from anywhere in the country several days prior to installing your ground screws and your call will automatically be routed to your local one call center. Utility companies that have potential facilities in the area of your installation site will be notified of your intent to dig. Each affected utility company will send a locator to mark the approximate location of your underground utility lines. This typically occurs within 2-3 working days. It is recommended you install ground screws at least 18 inches from either side of marked lines.

What installation equipment is required?

Smaller screws, roughly 2-2 ½” diameters and lengths less than approximately 3’ can be installed manually (depending on soil conditions) with rebar or a metal rod inserted through the holes at the top of the ground screw. Larger ground screws need to be installed with low-speed, high-torque rotary drivers. See our installation section for more information.

Can ground screws be installed if I hit obstructions below grade?

Ground screws typically perform very well in areas with difficult soil such as rocky or cobbled soil, areas with tree roots, etc. In very difficult areas, it may be necessary to pre-drill the hole. See our installation manual for more information.

Can ground screws be removed/re-used?

Yes, ground screws can be removed and re-used. Simply turn the ground screw counter clockwise for removal. The ground screws should be carefully inspected to ensure the threads and galvanization have not been damaged during install/removal before using again.

How long do ground screws last?

Our ground screws are Hot-Dip Galvanized by ASTM requirements to 75 microns in thickness. They should last between 50 and 100 years. This is all “soil dependent” which is covered in the ESR. We do not recommend using them in soils where the pH is less than 5.5. We Warranty the screws for 25 years. They do usually outlive the structure placed on them.

Does American Ground Screw provide installation services or installer training?

Currently we do not provide install or training services. We have experienced installers in different areas around the country that will provide installer training.

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Code Compliance & Technical Specs

Soil Capacity Load Chart

Frost Depth

GROUND SCREW LENGTH BASED ON FROST DEPTH:

Thread Length

0-32″

51″

33-44″

63″

45-60″

79″

>60″

Call AGS

Thread Length

0-35″

61″

36-37″

63″

38-53″

79″

54-55″

81″

>53/55″

Call AGS

FAQ

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