Introduction
Helical piles, also known as screw piles are manufactured steel foundations that are used to support structures by rotated into the soil through helical plates welded to a central shaft.
Since they can resist both compression and tension, helical piles can be used as a foundation or as an anchor.
These foundations are gaining popularity due to their ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and ability to bear significant loads without extensive excavation.
What Are Helical Piles?
Helical piles are steel shafts with helical flights that allow them to be screwed into the ground rather than driven or drilled.
Key Components:
- Central Shaft: Provides structural integrity.
- Helical Plates: These spiral blades help in penetration and load-bearing.
- Extension Sections: Used to reach the required depth.
- Termination Cap: Transfers the load to the pile.
Advantages of Helical Piles
- Fast & Simple Installation – No concrete curing, formwork, or extensive equipment needed.
- Compact & Accessible – Can be installed with small machinery in tight or remote locations.
- Minimal Soil & Environmental Impact – No excavation, low noise, and minimal vibration, making it ideal for sensitive sites.
- High Load Capacity – Effectively supports both tension and compression loads.
- Versatile & Adaptable – Suitable for various soil types, structures, and even underwater installations.
- Immediate Load Bearing – No waiting period after installation, ensuring faster project completion.
- Cost-Effective – Reduces labor, material, and time costs compared to traditional foundations.
- Durable & Resistant – Withstands scour, erosion, and harsh environmental conditions.
- Easily Removable & Reusable – Perfect for temporary or relocatable structures.
- Eco-Friendly Solution – Produces less waste and minimizes disturbance to surrounding ecosystems.
Applications of Helical Piles
Helical piles are widely used in various construction scenarios, including:
- Residential Foundations: Replacing traditional concrete footings.
- Commercial & Industrial Buildings: Used for foundations of warehouses, factories, and office buildings.
- Bridges & Boardwalks: Used in environmentally sensitive areas.
- Solar Farms & Transmission Towers: Supporting light structures in soft soils.
- Retrofitting & Foundation Repair: Helical piles also are used as underpinning elements for repair of failed foundations or to augment existing foundations for support of additional loads.
- Marine & Offshore Structures: Providing resistance in submerged conditions.
- Utility Guy Anchors & Retaining Walls: Helical piles can be installed horizontally or at any angle and can support tensile in addition to compressive loads. As a tensile member, they are used for retaining wall systems, utility guy anchors, membrane roof systems, pipeline buoyancy control, transmission towers, and many other structures.
Conclusion
Helical piles are an efficient, cost-effective, and versatile foundation solution for modern construction. Their ease of installation, minimal environmental impact, and high load-bearing capacity make them an excellent alternative to traditional foundation methods.
If you’re considering helical piles for your project, consult a geotechnical engineer to determine the best design and installation approach.