With a combination of sensor technology, software and SIM-based data streaming, Pilar enables the installation of screw foundations faster, safer and far more sustainably than traditional solutions. Together with Three for business, the company has gained the stable IoT connection needed to scale the technology throughout the construction industry.
Real-time data and IoT are setting new standards for sustainable construction
Pilar is a Danish technology company that has digitised parts of the work with an often overlooked, but crucial part of the construction process: the foundation. Where the establishment of foundations has previously been characterised by estimates, limited documentation and required on-site specialists, Pilar has created a solution that combines IoT, software and real-time data.
Pilar specialises in foundations established on screws. They are both faster, cheaper and much more climate-friendly. CEO and co-founder of Pilar, Mikkel Ibsen, explains:
“Screws are one of the most environmentally friendly methods of establishing foundations, with up to 85 percent lower CO₂ emissions compared to traditional solutions. But they need to be installed correctly. We have made this possible with our installation screen, which also streams measurement data directly from the construction site to a control centre.”
This is crucial because the installer is often not a geotechnical expert, but with measurements of torsion, rotation speed and penetration rate during the installation itself, an engineer can approve the work in real time – even remotely. This ensures precision and documentation, and reduces the need for expensive specialists on site.
Screw piles have the potential – Pilar makes it possible with IoT
Screw foundations can reduce CO₂ emissions, construction time and risk. But this requires proper monitoring of the installation and documentation – otherwise the potential remains unrealised. New research from Aalborg University shows that the classic methods of documentation, such as oil pressure-based torsion measurement, are so imprecise that you would effectively have to test every single screw. This would make screw piles unusable in practice.
“Pilar was created to solve exactly that problem,” explains Mikkel Ibsen. “Our solution measures the three crucial parameters – torsion, rotation speed and penetration rate – and makes it possible to document correct installation with high precision. Without this documentation, screw piles would be too risky and technically unacceptable.”
This is where Three's SIM-based IoT solution plays a central role. The stable connection ensures that measurement data can be streamed live from the construction site – whether it is in the middle of the city or in a remote summer cottage area. This allows engineers and specialists to monitor in real time and approve the installation on an ongoing basis.
“We know that mistakes happen during construction – they always do. The important thing is to detect them as they happen so that you can fix them,” says Mikkel Ibsen. “With real-time data and remote monitoring, we can ensure documentation and load-bearing capacity without having experts physically present on site. That’s what makes scaling possible.”
Stable connection and easy support
The IoT solution Three Group Solutions from was chosen based on a combination of coverage, uptime, price and support. Pilar needs a solution that works without interruptions - and with the ability to get quick help if something goes wrong.
"We have had a good collaboration with Three. When something arises, it is taken seriously and resolved quickly. This is important because we operate in an industry where one wrong foundation can be costly – both financially and in terms of climate," says Mikkel Ibsen.
The collaboration means:
- Pilar saves time and resources on the construction site because their engineers can approve installations in real time via SIM-based data streaming
- They avoid costly errors and rework as the IoT solution documents torsion, pressure and depth during the installation itself
- The company can scale without compromising quality because the solution works stably regardless of geographical location
- Pilar meets future climate requirements with documentation in hand as all measurement data is saved and synchronised automatically
- Technicians work more confidently and efficiently in the field because support is available and takes problems seriously when they arise
Ready to expand the technology
Pilar does not intend to stop at screw foundations. With documented effectiveness and experience from both small and large construction projects – including CPH Village – the company is now working to transfer the technology to other segments of the construction industry.
“There is no reason why a well-functioning and proven IoT technology should not also be used for other construction processes. We have a solution that works – and a platform that is ready to grow,” says CEO and co-founder of Pilar, Mikkel Ibsen.
With increasing demands for climate footprint and documentation, Pilar expects increased demand in the coming years. And with IoT as the backbone of their solution, they are ready to meet the market – both with data, documentation and the necessary sustainable impact.
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