Helical piles have been used sporadically over 170 years for foundation repair and for underpinning support of new structures and bridges built on weak or wet soil. They are also used for light standards, tieback anchors on retaining walls, elevated walkways, pipeline and pumping equipment supports and for many electric utility applications.
Helical pile is a manufactured steel foundation that screws into the soil. It has a lead or shaft welded to a helical bearing plate or helix, and a cap that attaches the shaft to the framing.
The helical pile foundation is preferred over driven piles, drilled shafts, grouted tendons, auger-cast piles, belled piers and other deep foundation systems for a number of compelling reasons:
- Quick installation and immediate loading
- Pre-engineered
- Eliminates high-mobilization costs associated with driven piles, drilled shafts or auger cast piles
- Instant torque-to-capacity feedback for production control
- Easily modified in the field
- No need for concrete to cure
- Uses common construction equipment that is easily fitted with hydraulically-driven torque motors
- Easy to use in limited access sites, high water tables and weak surface soils
