What Are Helical Piers?

Helical piers, also known as helical piles or screw piles, are a type of deep foundation system used to support structures and stabilize foundations. At Alliance Inc., we use these materials to help stabilize and repair home foundations.

Helical piers consist of a shaft or helix-shaped blade that resembles a large screw or drill bit. Additionally, these piers are typically made of steel and are installed into the ground to transfer the load of a structure to more stable soil or bedrock layers beneath the surface.

The helical shape allows them to be “screwed” into the ground with minimal soil disturbance.

How are Helical Piers Used? 

They are used in various construction and foundation applications, including:

• Foundation Support: They can be used to support and stabilize residential, commercial, and industrial building foundations. Helical piers are particularly useful when a structure’s foundation is settling, sinking, or experiencing uneven settling.
• Boardwalks and Walkways: These are often used in the construction of boardwalks, walkways, and decks, especially in areas with soft or wet soils.
• Retaining Walls: These materials provide a solid foundation for retaining walls, ensuring they remain stable and resist shifting.
• Utility Support: They are used to support utility poles, solar panels, and other structures that require a secure foundation.
• Underpinning: In situations where an existing foundation needs reinforcement or additional support, helical piers can be installed beneath the foundation to stabilize it through a process known as underpinning.

How are Helical Piers Installed?

The installation process for these typically involves the following steps:

• Site Assessment: Engineers evaluate the soil conditions and load requirements to determine the appropriate pier size and spacing.
• Excavation: A small excavation is made at each pier location.
• Pier Installation: These materials are mechanically screwed into the ground using specialized equipment until they reach the desired depth or load-bearing stratum.
• Bracket Attachment: A bracket or cap is attached to the top of each pier, which will support the structure.
• Load Transfer: The weight of the structure is transferred to the helical piers, bypassing the unstable or weak soil layers.
• Final Adjustments: The piers are adjusted to ensure they are level and can support the load evenly.

Therefore, Helical piers offer several advantages, including minimal site disturbance, immediate load-bearing capacity, and versatility in various soil conditions. So, they are a reliable solution for foundation support and stabilization. (Read: 4 Advantages of Using Helical Piers)