What Are Helical Piles And How Are They Used?

A Helical piles, also referred to as helical piers or screw piles, are used to structurally reinforce foundations, decks, and more. with helical screw like bearing plates on a steel shaft. These are often used during soil nailing by a professional foundation company. Helical posts are made of steel poles and plates that screw into the soil to reinforce structures. This design allows the helical screws to puncture through the soil with minimal auguring to ensure the least amount of soil displacement possible.

Helical pile installation is conducted with standard excavators that have an attached torque motor. The motor monitors the torque needed for each helical screw design length and soil strata type. The steel shaft is driven into the soil through torque as the steel plate is rotated into the ground. When multiple helical bearing plates are used on a single pile, they are spaced at a distance in which they function independently. Each project requires customized shaft lengths and plate variations to ensure proper distribution of weight reinforcement.

Many types of foundations and decks can benefit from helical pile foundations because of the flexible nature of the solution. Helical piles can maneuver through various types of soil strata and can be installed in any weather condition. Additionally, screw pile installation can be used on temporary or permanent structures.