During these modern times of engineering and construction, there are many different ways to do just about anything. This includes the selection of a helical pile foundation. Pile foundations have been used for years to support structures that bear on unsuitable soils. As equipment and methods progressed, so did the applications and installation of each type of pile. All of these options still exist because each site and project requirement is different. We have to weigh our options to decide what the safest, most cost effective approach to providing a pile foundation is going to be.
Helical Piles have been around for many years, even though most people still haven’t heard of them. They are screwed into the soil using a motorized auger torque driver, which is attached to a piece of construction equipment. The screwing method eliminates the need for vibration and aggressive impact to advance the pile into the soil. The Helical Pile simply screws into the ground. With the torque motor creating the force needed to install the pile, relatively small equipment can be used for helical pile installation.
The benefits of using small equipment can change the project in many ways. Some projects would otherwise be impossible, if not for the use of small equipment. Going inside buildings, basements, through landscaping, beneath lifted houses, high voltage, tight locations, etc. are all possible because helical piles require such small equipment to install. The reduced vibration and noise allow for businesses and daily activities to continue during installation, and the low emissions of smaller equipment help minimize any environmental impacts. Some older structures are so unstable, that any vibration will compromise their state. Helical piles can be used to underpin these structures without harming the current conditions.
