Ground Screws for Light Structures – Load Performance?

[peter651]

In our work supplying metal hardware for fencing and solar projects, we've seen more use of ground screws in place of poured concrete foundations—especially where soil conditions vary.

In your experience:

• How do you evaluate load capacity (both vertical and lateral) for ground screws in non-homogeneous soils?
• Are there reference standards or testing methods you trust?
• Any red flags when it comes to using them for light-duty structures on sloped or sandy sites?

We’ve supplied galvanized ground screws (600–1200mm length) for use on farms and homesteads, and they’ve held up well under basic loads — but we’d like to understand the engineering perspective more clearly for larger projects.

Appreciate any insight or field experience from your side.

 

[LittleInch]

So you make these and you don't know?

I've had a look at the linked website and there is zero load capacity information here.

Load capacity in non homogeneous would need site pull out measurements to verify then reduce by a factor of 2?
Ref standards no idea
Sandy site you would need to watch for dry / hot periods which can reduce sand density and cohesiveness.
Slopes can be close to failure angle so adding extra forces can result in failure of the slope.