Helical piles are used to create strong, steady foundations with the ability to bear heavy loads in unique or difficult terrains. Because of their critical function in supporting foundations for industrial applications, it’s important to know exactly how much weight helical piles can support.

Since the capacity of a helical pile depends on the material and construction of the pile itself, as well as the landscape and soil into which it is being placed, among other factors, the load capacity must be calculated for the specific type of helical pile and application.

There are three primary methods to determine helical pile capacity:

• Torque correlation
• Bearing capacity in the soil
• Direct capacity measurement

Torque Correlation

Torque correlation, also known as the torque-to-ultimate holding capacity relationship, is an empirical method for determining helical pile load capacity. This method holds that as a helical pile is installed via screwing into soil that is increasingly hard and dense, the torque—the resistance to installation—will increase. The higher this torque, the higher the axial capacity (the ability to bear load along the vertical axis of the pile).

In layman’s terms, the denser the soil, the greater the load capacity of the helical pile.

To determine the torque correlation, multiply the torque correlation factor (Kt) by the average installation torque (T) to get the ultimate uplift capacity (Qult). As a formula, this would be:

Qult = Kt x T

The torque correlation factor is based on the size and type of helical pile and is inversely related to shaft size.

Bearing Capacity in Soil

To determine helical pile capacity using the bearing capacity in soil method, theoretical calculations are made based on soil strength data. This data can be derived during a Standard Penetration Test (SPT), wherein the soil is drilled for soil sample collection and the resistance to drilling is measured.

The data collected during soil sampling and penetration testing includes the soil profile, groundwater, unit weight, and soil classification. Soil is classified as either:

• Fine-grained, such as silt or clay
• Granular soil, such as gravel or sand

Different soil grain sizes can result in different amounts of friction against the piles as they are installed, and therefore different levels of torque. As discussed previously, torque during installation affects the load capacity of the pile.

Using this soil strength data and information about the proposed helical piles and pile configuration, engineers can calculate the helical pile capacity in the proposed installation condition.

Direct Capacity Measurement

The direct capacity measurement method of determining helical pile capacity consists of performing a load test on an installed pile, to comply with the ASTM Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundations Under Static Axial Compressive Load. As this method actually tests the capacity of a helical pile under operating conditions, it is the most accurate method for determining load capacity.

In a direct capacity load test, compression load is applied to the installed helical pile in increments for defined intervals, until the maximum test load is reached, or the pile fails and can’t bear any more load. At each increase in load, the movement/settlement of the pile is measured, and this information is used to determine the capacity of the helical pile.

Due to the importance of accurately gauging the load capacity of helical piles to ensure a strong and durable foundation for the application, it’s recommended that helical pile capacity be calculated using at least two different methods.

While some geoengineers and firms allow for the use of only the torque correlation method to determine helical pile capacity in specific instances, as load testing and collecting soil data can be costly and exceed project budget, this should only be done if the calculations use an increased safety factor to ensure safety in the absence of more complete data.

Helical piles are one of the strongest foundation solutions on the market. If you’d like to use them for your upcoming project, contact the team at Elite Helical. We can help you install helical piles properly, quickly, and safely, so you can enjoy the benefits of helical piling to the maximum degree.

If you’re planning a large construction project, you need to find a foundational solution that will keep your structure standing strong for years to come. In the past, traditional concrete foundations have been the go-to method. But in recent years, that’s begun to change.

Helical pile foundations are a relatively new player in the foundation game, and they’re giving concrete foundations a run for their money. Let’s take a look at the difference between these two types of foundations and determine which one may be best for your next project.

Helical Foundation vs. Concrete Foundation: Which Is Better?

We may be biased, but the truth is that helical foundations outperform traditional concrete foundations in many ways. We’ll explore a few of the reasons why helical foundations are so great, and why concrete foundations fall short, below.

What Are Helical Pile Foundations, and What Are Their Benefits?

Helical piles are segments that make up a larger foundational system. They have helical bearing plates that are welded to a central shaft, which is then screwed into the ground to provide structural support.

The first section of a helical pile foundation system, known as the lead section, contains the helical plates and can consist of 1-4 helicals. If required, helical extensions can be added to support heavyweight structures. Plain extensions can also be added until the lead section penetrates the bearing strata and the necessary torque is achieved.

Helical pile foundations offer the following advantages for construction projects across the world: 

• Quick and simple installation, with no soil removal required
• All-weather, remote-location, and limited-access installation
• Unmatched durability and longevity
• Instant load-bearing capacity
• Removable and reusable properties for low environmental impact

While all of these benefits make helical piles great for construction projects of all shapes and sizes, they’re especially useful in circumstances that require specialized solutions, such as industrial, oil and gas, transmission and distribution, and commercial applications.

One of the only downsides to installing a helical pile foundation is that you need specialized equipment and a specialized team who knows how to operate it correctly. But that phone call is an easy one to make, and if your end goal is to achieve the highest quality solution, it’s well worth it.

The Problems With Concrete Foundations

Concrete foundations can provide a sufficient solution for various structures, but they’re just not quite as versatile, long-lasting, or well-performing as their helical counterparts. Here’s why:

• Excessive excavating and soil removal is required prior to installation.
• Installations are labor-intensive, and therefore costly.
• Concrete can’t be poured in poor weather conditions.
• Concrete must cure before bearing the weight of any loads.
• Concrete is prone to cracking and settling, which can threaten your structure’s integrity.
• Concrete cannot easily be removed or reused, and therefore is not a sustainable option.

Maximize the Benefits of Helical Foundations with Elite Helical

As you approach your next construction project, think about what you could do to streamline processes, save on installation costs, and build the most supported, long-lasting structure possible. While a concrete foundation can do the job, a helical pile foundation can do it better — no matter the scope of your project.

At Elite Helical, it’s our commitment to offer you a faster, safer, stronger foundational solution. With over 50 combined years of industry experience, our team is here to help you enjoy the benefits of helical piling to their maximum degrees. For more information on how we can be a part of your next project, contact us.

When compared to more traditional types of foundations, helical piles offer safer, stronger, and longer-lasting performance. However, since they are a less traditional type of foundation, many facilities managers and construction professionals aren’t sure when to use them or what to use them for.

If you’re wondering the same thing, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll discuss a bit more about what helical piles are used for by taking a look at four industries that employ them most frequently.

4 Industries That Use Helical Piles

Below are four industries where helical piles provide safe, efficient, and effective foundation solutions. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are plenty more industries and applications that helical piles are used for — these are just a few of the ones we see most often  here at Elite Helical.

1. Helical Piles for Oil & Gas

The oil and gas industry is known for its remote environments, rugged terrains, and heavy-duty structures and machinery. And when you’re working with hazardous materials, you need a highly durable support system that can withstand those tough conditions and ensure your structures stay intact. That’s what helical piles are used for.

We’re strong believers in safety at Elite Helical — for people, for structures, and for the environment. That’s why we rely on helical piling to provide a solid foundation for various oil and gas applications like pipelines, compressor stations, rig supports, and more. There’s no other type of foundation that offers such safe and easy installation, or safe and durable performance.

2. Industrial Applications for Helical Piles

The world of industrial manufacturing and construction is a pretty broad one. And although helical piles are suitable for almost any application within it, their unique capabilities are most beneficial in niche, complex projects. Because, while the general concept of helical piling is quite simple, it offers robust and versatile solutions when complexities and challenges arise in a project.

At Elite Helical, our experience involves installing helical piles for a number of unique industrial applications, such as petrochemical plants, refining plants, pulp and paper facilities, terminals, and more. Over the years, we’ve learned that the possibilities are truly endless — so much so that we’ve become most excited to take on new challenges and add to our diversified project portfolio.

3. Helical Piles for Transmission & Distribution

Foundational support is needed for service lines, structures, and facilities in the transmission and distribution industry. And when dealing with strong electrical currents, the safest, most durable way to provide that support is through helical piling. Helical piles provide a safe installation process and a sound, reliable foundation that will support these lines, structures, and facilities for years.

From solar panels, power plants, cellular towers, and more, we’ve installed helical piles to support just about every application within the transmission and distribution industry. Throughout the years, our experts have gained the technical knowledge they need to safely and effectively adapt helical piling procedures to meet the needs of these unique applications.

4. Helical Piles for Commercial Construction

While helical piles can definitely provide strong foundations for residential builds, they’re more commonly seen used in large, complex commercial construction projects. In fact, they’ve completely revolutionized the commercial construction industry — offering a quicker, more durable solution than more traditional types of foundations, no matter the size or shape of the build.

At Elite Helical, we’ve used helical piles to support new commercial structures, as well as maintain or remodel existing ones. We’ve even used them for special projects like bridges, docks, bulkheads, and tiebacks.

Think your application could benefit from helical piling? Contact Elite Helical. With robust helical piling capabilities and a diversified portfolio of successful projects, our team has the skills needed to guarantee a high-quality solution and a fantastic customer experience.

Helical piles are segments that make up a larger, deeper foundational system. They consist of helical bearing plates that are welded to a central shaft. The load they bear is then transferred from the shaft to the soil through those helical bearing plates. As a result of their helical shape, the helicals don’t puncture and disrupt the soil, but rather they screw into it with minimal disturbance.

The first section of a helical piling system, known as the lead section, contains the helical plates. The lead section can consist of 1-4 helicals. If required, additional helicals can be added with the use of extensions. Then, plain extensions are added until the lead section penetrates the bearing strata and the necessary torque is achieved.

Perhaps the concept of these products sounds familiar, but you’ve never heard them referred to as “helical piles.” That’s because helical piles are also commonly referred to as screw piles, helical piers, helical anchors, screw anchors, and helical foundations. Although there are many different names, they all refer to the same product and can be used interchangeably.

What Are Helical Piles Used For?

As mentioned above, helical piles are used to provide strong, stable foundational solutions for structures of all shapes and sizes. This versatility makes them ideal for a number of specialized, industrial construction applications, including (but not limited to):

• Industrial (e.g. petrochemical, pulp-and-paper, refining, storage facilities, etc.)
• Oil & Gas (e.g. pipelines, compressor stations, well-sites, facilities, etc.)
• Transmission & Distribution (e.g. power plants, cellular towers, battery storage, etc.)
• Marine (e.g. pipeline buoyancy control, river crossings, riparian washouts, etc.)
• Commercial (e.g. schools, shopping centers, docks, bridges, etc.)

What Are the Benefits of Helical Piles?

When compared to more traditional foundation types, the performance of helical piles is undoubtedly superior. No matter the scope of the project, helical piles offer many amazing benefits, including the main four listed below:

Efficient Installation

When enforcing a new structure, or reinforcing an existing one, time is of the essence. Helical piles offer an extremely fast installation process. In most cases, each pile only takes minutes to install, so a complete foundational system could be installed in just hours or days. And once they’re installed, they’re ready for immediate use; there’s no need to wait for them to set.

How is it so fast? Well, its quick turnaround time is mostly due to the fact that no soil excavation is required. This also means that helical piles can be installed in all weather conditions, as well as in limited-access and remote locations.

Outstanding Durability

Composed of rust-resistant galvanized steel, helical piles are expected to last over a hundred years — even as they support extremely heavy structural loads.

Instant Load Bearing Capacity

Helical piles offer instant load-bearing capacity to support structures of all shapes and sizes, sometimes accommodating hundreds of tons or more! Helical piling experts will evaluate your site and determine the verified capacity needed for each pile — all of which is based on your project goals and the surrounding environment.

Low Environmental Impact

Helical piles can be installed within minutes, and they can be removed just as quickly. If your project reaches a point where foundational support is no longer required, the helical piles can easily be removed and repurposed for your next application — leaving minimal to no environmental impact.

Have more questions about helical piles and how they could benefit your next construction project? Elite Helical can help! With 50+ years of combined industry experience, our experts are highly knowledgeable and ready to provide the answers you need. Give us a call or contact us online today.