Understanding Helical Piles
Helical Piles: Understand the Basics
Helical piles—also known as helical piers—transfer the load of a structure from the soil to the helix plates that installed into the load bearing soil. They consist of a steel shaft with attached helical plates resembling large screws that anchor the pile into the ground and bear the structural load.
Helical piles are mechanically “screwed” into the ground using hydraulic machinery or handheld equipment. Simply put, they support, stabilize, and lift structures. This means you can use them to prevent or repair settling or shifting foundations for residential or commercial buildings. They’re also good for infrastructure projects such as bridges, tunnels, and utility poles.
The Advantages of Helical Piles
Helical piles have become one of the most popular foundation solutions because of their efficacy and versatility. Foundation contractors use them to stabilize all types of structures. Their high load-bearing capacity can support heavy and light structures alike.
Helical piles are fitted with helical plates, which look like a threaded screw. As helical piers are screwed into the ground, the helical plates pull the pier into place. This functionality doesn’t rely on the weight of the structure to reach capacity like a push pier.
Helical piles can be installed at various orientations according to your project needs. Vertical installation supports a sinking foundation, while lateral installation (a helical tieback), pulls bowing walls back towards their original position.
Helical pile installation is often faster and less disruptive than push pier installation. Helical piles can be driven directly into the ground without digging up the soil. This mitigates the damage inflicted on the property, reducing the installation's environmental impacts. Installation equipment is smaller, or can be accomplished with handheld torque motors, which enables crews to maneuver tight spaces, including interior installations.
Finally, helical piles can be installed year-round, as they don’t require curing.
Considering the Limitations of Helical Piles
While helical piles offer significant benefits, there are some limitations. One site-specific consideration is soil type. While helical piers can be used across a wide range of conditions, the piles don’t cut through dense and rocky soils as well as push piers. The helical piers will need to reach depths that enable the helices to transfer loads to competent soils. While this doesn’t necessarily require reaching bedrock, crews may need to add extensions until
helical piers reach stable, competent soils. This process is monitored carefully throughout installation.
While helical piers don’t generate as many soil spoils and disruptions as push piers, they do require a bit more space. Crews use a hydraulic torque motor to screw the piers into place, and this may require 1-2 crew members and 7-9 feet of clearance space.
Helical Piles vs. Traditional Foundation Solutions
Helical piers are a highly desirable solution compared to traditional repair methods like concrete footings. Specifically, their installation:
- Is more rapid
- Can be done in all weather conditions
- Instantly results in load-bearing capacity
- Offers unmatched durability
By comparison, concrete footings require extensive soil excavation. They can’t be installed in water-saturated conditions or in the winter. Plus, the installation process has a waiting period after pouring the foundations.
Not only is the installation of helical piers quicker than excavating and pouring concrete footings, but it’s also more cost-effective. The additional labor required to create concrete footings can add up to a costly sum that surpasses that of helical piers.
Are Helical Piers Worth the Cost?
Helical piles are one of the most cost-effective foundation solutions. Helical piles can significantly reduce the construction timeline compared to traditional foundation methods. They require less excavation and curing time, which enables faster project completion. This can result in cost savings related to labor, equipment rental, and related expenses.
Helical piers can be load tested immediately, streamlining overall construction and repair projects.
Finding the Right Solution for Your Foundation
When deciding if helical piles are the right solution for your construction project, you should weigh the system's benefits and drawbacks according to your site's needs. Their efficient installation, high ROI, and longevity all contribute to their potential viability for foundation
projects. However, under certain circumstances, such as sites with rocky soil, you may want to consider other options.
Foundation Rescue Supply is one of the nation’s largest distributors for residential and commercial foundation repair products. Contact us today for a contractor referral or for assistance bidding a project.