Helical Piers FAQ's
How do helical piers work?
Helical piers provide foundational support for a wide range of applications. These steel shafts feature helix plates that rotate into the earth and drive the pier into the ground much like a screw. Because the helical pier generates axial thrust into the soil, there is no need to dig deep into the ground to install this type of support.
Helical piers can be installed relatively quickly, so they are an ideal choice for older structures that require an immediate foundation settlement repair. Helical piers aren’t only used on existing structures, however, they can also be installed on new construction projects that require a fast and budget-friendly structural solution.
What are the main parts of a helical pier?
Helix Plate
The steel bearing plate on the outside of a helical pier has a helix shape. This design ensures that the helical pier can easily thread into the ground below as it rotates. Once installed, the purpose of this plate is to transfer the building load to the surrounding soil.
Central Shaft
As a helical pier rotates into the ground, the central shaft provides torque for the helix plate. For this reason, it’s important for the central shaft to have sufficient torsional strength to maintain its integrity throughout the installation process.
Termination
A crucial part of any helical pier is its termination, or the point at which the central shaft connects to the structure above ground level. There are many types of terminations that account for a host of construction site variables like seismic activity or lateral loading.
What are the advantages of helical pier installation?
Before installing any type of structural support, it’s important to understand the soil below the construction site. While some soil conditions eliminate any possibility for construction, helical piers (sometimes in conjunction with tiebacks or resistance piers) make it possible to build or repair where it otherwise would not be feasible. An existing foundation with water damage, for example, can be repaired with helical pier support.
In addition to a wide range of soil conditions, helical piers can be used for many different building types. Both residential and commercial buildings may utilize helical piers, as well as more niche applications such as tower foundations. From lightweight structures to buildings that weigh 500 tons, helical piers can handle the load.
The ability to install helical piers quickly, safely and affordably add to their appeal in construction. There is strength in the simplicity of a helical pier design, and when installed correctly, helical piers create no measurable soil disturbance. There is no need to complete time-consuming excavations before installing a helical pier — a hydraulic system is the only equipment necessary to drive this anchoring into the ground.
Helical piers are the perfect solution for decks, porches and additions. No excavating, concrete or redoing all of your landscaping. Instead of digging a hole, waiting for an inspection (praying it doesn’t rain), pouring your concrete, wait for it to dry and then build….. we install helical piers where you need your post footings. They are easy to install and commonly used where soil conditions are questionable. Helical Piers thread into the ground like a screw. This minimizes install time, requires little disturbance to the ground and landscaping and most importantly transfers the weight of the structure to the load bearing soil to the desired torque.
How long does it take to install helical piers?
While it definately can vary by project, here are some general guidelines;
New decks - 1/2 day
Existing decks - 1 day
Foundation/Additions – Please give us a call and we can work with you to understand the scope of work needed for the size of the project.
How expensive are helical piers?
For a quote please contact us. We will respond quickly with pricing based on the scope of work required for your project.
How long does it take to get on your schedule?
We will schedule your project as quickly as possible once the scope of your project is defined. We will work with you, the inspector, and any other contractor involved as necessary to ensure that the work is done as efficiently as possible.
Helical piers provide foundational support for a wide range of applications. These steel shafts feature helix plates that rotate into the earth and drive the pier into the ground much like a screw. Because the helical pier generates axial thrust into the soil, there is no need to dig deep into the ground to install this type of support.
Helical piers can be installed relatively quickly, so they are an ideal choice for older structures that require an immediate foundation settlement repair. Helical piers aren’t only used on existing structures, however, they can also be installed on new construction projects that require a fast and budget-friendly structural solution.
What are the main parts of a helical pier?
Helix Plate
The steel bearing plate on the outside of a helical pier has a helix shape. This design ensures that the helical pier can easily thread into the ground below as it rotates. Once installed, the purpose of this plate is to transfer the building load to the surrounding soil.
Central Shaft
As a helical pier rotates into the ground, the central shaft provides torque for the helix plate. For this reason, it’s important for the central shaft to have sufficient torsional strength to maintain its integrity throughout the installation process.
Termination
A crucial part of any helical pier is its termination, or the point at which the central shaft connects to the structure above ground level. There are many types of terminations that account for a host of construction site variables like seismic activity or lateral loading.
What are the advantages of helical pier installation?
Before installing any type of structural support, it’s important to understand the soil below the construction site. While some soil conditions eliminate any possibility for construction, helical piers (sometimes in conjunction with tiebacks or resistance piers) make it possible to build or repair where it otherwise would not be feasible. An existing foundation with water damage, for example, can be repaired with helical pier support.
In addition to a wide range of soil conditions, helical piers can be used for many different building types. Both residential and commercial buildings may utilize helical piers, as well as more niche applications such as tower foundations. From lightweight structures to buildings that weigh 500 tons, helical piers can handle the load.
The ability to install helical piers quickly, safely and affordably add to their appeal in construction. There is strength in the simplicity of a helical pier design, and when installed correctly, helical piers create no measurable soil disturbance. There is no need to complete time-consuming excavations before installing a helical pier — a hydraulic system is the only equipment necessary to drive this anchoring into the ground.
Helical piers are the perfect solution for decks, porches and additions. No excavating, concrete or redoing all of your landscaping. Instead of digging a hole, waiting for an inspection (praying it doesn’t rain), pouring your concrete, wait for it to dry and then build….. we install helical piers where you need your post footings. They are easy to install and commonly used where soil conditions are questionable. Helical Piers thread into the ground like a screw. This minimizes install time, requires little disturbance to the ground and landscaping and most importantly transfers the weight of the structure to the load bearing soil to the desired torque.
How long does it take to install helical piers?
While it definately can vary by project, here are some general guidelines;
New decks - 1/2 day
Existing decks - 1 day
Foundation/Additions – Please give us a call and we can work with you to understand the scope of work needed for the size of the project.
How expensive are helical piers?
For a quote please contact us. We will respond quickly with pricing based on the scope of work required for your project.
How long does it take to get on your schedule?
We will schedule your project as quickly as possible once the scope of your project is defined. We will work with you, the inspector, and any other contractor involved as necessary to ensure that the work is done as efficiently as possible.