Sustainable boardwalk foundations for modern construction
Foundations preserving the environment
A low-impact approach to the nature
Boardwalks connect people to nature while safeguarding delicate ecosystems. From wetlands and beaches to urban parks and nature reserves, boardwalks provide safe, durable access in environments where traditional pathways are impractical or damaging. Their functionality, design, and environmental preservation make boardwalks highly suitable for sustainable infrastructure.
Customised solutions for every boardwalk project
At StopDigging, we specialise in sustainable foundations. Our heavy-duty ground screws offer a reliable, long-lasting alternative to traditional methods while minimising environmental impact. With no heavy machinery and quick installations, our foundations are cost-effective, leaving nature visually untouched.
We provide an end-to-end service, ensuring your boardwalk’s foundation is tailored to your project’s unique requirements. Our professional team handles everything from site assessments to installation, delivering strength and longevity even in the most challenging conditions.
StopDigging’s commitment to quality and sustainability – Backed by ISO Certification
At StopDigging, we are committed to the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and efficiency in everything we do. Our ISO certifications are a testament to this dedication, ensuring that our products, processes, and services consistently meet international standards.
Our ISO Certifications
| Material | EN 10027-1:2016: S235 JR |
| Product CE | EN 1090 |
| Galvanization | ISO 1461:2009 |
| Manufacturing process | EN 1090 / ISO 9001:2015 |
| Installation process | ISO 9001:2015 |
Products used for boardwalk foundations
SGC adapter screw
Engineered for maximum durability and versatility, this screw provides stable, eco-friendly foundations for a variety of applications. Its design minimises environmental impact while delivering exceptional structural support, making it a great choice for boardwalks.
Bracket adapters
Our SGE and SGL bracket adapters are available in various configurations to accommodate all lumber dimensions and enhance the versatility and precision of boardwalk foundations. It provides a strong fixing point to ensure every installation is securely and accurately fastened.
SGI EL elevated adapter
These extension components allow you to increase the construction height of your foundation. Tailored to meet site-specific needs, the elevation adapters come in many different lengths and ensure that each installation is perfectly level, even in challenging conditions. Combine with any of our bracket adapters if needed.
Steel bracing system
Using diagonal braces will significantly increase the strength of the combined foundation. We use standardised 48mm high-quality steel tubes. Combined with specially adapted swivel clamps, the foundation can withstand large lateral loads. The steel bracing system supports elevated subfloor levels, ideal for sloping sites or areas with expansive soils.
Find more information about all our
ground screws and adapters
Designed and developed in Sweden
All of our ground screws are designed and developed in Sweden, embodying Swedish precision and upholding the highest standards of quality, durability, and environmental responsibility. This commitment ensures reliable performance in a wide range of environments. By selecting these specialised ground screws, we guarantee that each foundation our professional partners build is not only structurally sound but also seamlessly integrated into its natural surroundings.
Common challenges – solved with ground screws
Boardwalk foundation projects often present distinct challenges resulting from environmental sensitivity, varied soil conditions, and the need for long-term durability.
Traditional foundation methods, like concrete piers or posts, can disrupt fragile ecosystems. Ground screws provide an innovative solution to address these challenges, which outperforms traditional methods – here is why:
| Foundation challenges | How ground screws provide solutions |
|---|---|
| Sloped and uneven terrain | Traditional foundations often require a flat, stable surface, which means extra preparation time and cost when working with sloping landscapes. With ground screws, there is no need for excavation – they can be installed on sloped or uneven ground, eliminating the need for extensive site levelling or grading. |
| Ensure stability in soft and fluctuating soils | Boardwalks are often used in marshes, beaches, or other areas with soft, unstable soils. Certain soils are more prone to shifting, particularly those with a high clay content. Ground screws address this by anchoring into more stable soil layers below the surface, providing consistent stability. This deeper anchoring helps prevent the common issues of shifting or sinking, making the foundation more resilient to changing soil conditions – without cracking or settling. |
| High moisture areas | High moisture levels and fluctuating water tables can cause concrete and wooden foundations to deteriorate over time, especially in areas prone to erosion. Ground screws are made from corrosion-resistant materials, enabling them to withstand wet conditions and resist erosion impacts. The screw’s hot-dip galvanization helps ensure long-term durability of the boardwalk foundation, protecting it from moisture damage and maintaining structural integrity. Great for usage near water bodies, wetlands, or ecologically sensitive zones. |
| Installation in remote areas | Boardwalk foundations are often needed in remote locations where transporting traditional foundation equipment can be logistically challenging and costly. Ground screws offer a practical alternative, as they can be installed with lightweight, portable equipment that minimises site disturbance. Our solution allows easier access in sensitive or restricted areas, enabling construction even in locations where traditional methods are difficult or impossible to implement. |
| Close proximity to existing structures | Ground screws can be installed near trees without disturbing the root systems, preserving vegetation and contributing to healthier landscapes. The small machines used for installation make it possible to stand close to walls and other infrastructure. |
| Vibration-sensitive areas | Vibrations during construction are a major concern in residential areas and must be minimised. Our foundations emit zero vibrations during installation, making them great for residential and urban areas. |
| Root protection zones | By using our ground screws, there is no need to excavate the ground, which makes the screws a suitable choice when needing a foundation in an area with living tree roots that need to be preserved. |
| Environmental impact | Installing traditional foundations in sensitive areas like wetlands and coastal ecosystems can disrupt natural habitats, affecting flora and fauna. Ground screws preserve ecosystems by minimising ground disturbance during installation. |
A sustainable foundation solution preserving the sacred landscapes of Maungawhau. Perfect for eco-friendly boardwalks, ensuring minimal impact on this culturally and spiritually significant place in New Zealand.
Case study
Transforming infrastructure with sustainable foundations
Background
Five metres wide boardwalk with rigorous standards
Oxcon CLL specialises in civil engineering, focusing on infrastructure projects like bridges, cycleways, and retaining walls in New Zealand. They contacted our partner, StopDigging NZ Ltd, for help supporting the construction of a one-kilometre boardwalk project in New Zealand. Designed to be five metres wide and accessible to light vehicles, this boardwalk required a foundation solution that met rigorous design and environmental standards.
The challenge
Significant challenges caused stalling the project
Initially, the project was designed with traditional large-driven piles to support the boardwalk. However, the complex terrain, proximity to a high-voltage rail line, and variable ground conditions caused significant challenges, stalling the project. The boardwalk was to be installed through a dense, unused bush area with limited access and required several culvert crossings. Parts of the boardwalk would stand over five metres above ground, and additional archaeological considerations further complicated construction near the proposed route.
The solution
How StopDigging’s ground screws overcame main obstacles
In close collaboration with StopDigging’s Country Manager in New Zealand, Jude Hickson, and structural engineers at Novare Design, they proposed an innovative solution: substituting traditional piles with StopDigging’s ground screw foundation system. They submitted a nonconforming tender that introduced StopDigging’s SGC ground screws for the boardwalk foundation and SGN ground screws for the chain-link fencing along the rail line. This proposal was accepted primarily for its lower environmental impact, reduced project costs, and improved construction efficiency.
Two construction methods were used with StopDigging’s ground screws:
- SG EL steel pile extensions and diagonal bracing: This method supported the elevated sections robustly.
- SGE125 brackets with senton pile extensions: These were applied in the Tahapa Reserve area, where public accessibility required a more aesthetic solution.
The results
Lower environmental impact, reduced project costs, and improved construction efficiency
The implementation of StopDigging’s ground screw system resulted in a highly sustainable and efficient foundation solution for the one-kilometre boardwalk. The project significantly reduced environmental disruption by minimising the need for heavy machinery, preserving the surrounding bush area and meeting strict environmental standards. The approach also allowed for efficient adaptation to the complex terrain, accommodating variable ground conditions and minimising soil displacement without requiring extensive excavation.
Cost efficiency was another significant achievement, as the reduced equipment and transportation needs led to lower project expenses and a decreased carbon footprint, aligning the project with sustainability goals. The innovative use of ground screws provided a stable and durable foundation for elevated sections, meeting the rigorous structural demands of a five-metre-wide boardwalk accessible to light vehicles.
Overall, this project showcases the effectiveness of ground screws in overcoming complex construction challenges, underscoring their value as a sustainable and adaptable foundation solution for future infrastructure projects.
Get in touch
Are you interested in a quote for your project with our ground screw solutions? Or would you like to work with us? Contact us here for quotes, partnership inquiries, and other questions about your project. We are here to help!
Commitment
to sustainable
foundations
Our solutions are designed with the environment in mind, minimising impact while maximising efficiency. By using ground screws and sustainable materials, we reduce soil disturbance, lower emissions, and adapt seamlessly to various terrains—including challenging sites like steep slopes and remote areas. This approach supports clean installations that respect and protect natural ecosystems, aligning with our commitment to sustainable development.
