For many years, the engineering community has been using helical piles for foundation repair and deep foundation support. Over the years, they’ve proven to be capable of supporting both large commercial buildings and home foundations when stable soils are not present. By shifting the weight of a structure to deeper, more competent soils, helical piles provide structural support and underpin foundations.
Helical piles are used when competent soil is not present and soil conditions are in a constant state of flux. These shifting or unstable soils put the structural integrity of a foundation at risk. Shifting and unstable soil can result from both natural soil conditions, such as clay or expansive soil, and new construction. During the excavation process, soil is disrupted, causing soil to become loose. The looser the soil, the more prone it is to movement due to weather conditions or natural settlement.
Deep soil, on the other hand, is likely to be denser. This denser soil is stronger and less subject to movement. When compared to soil that is closer to the surface, soil resting deep below the foundation’s surface is more competent and thus more reliable for supporting the heavy load of your home or business.
If you’ve researched helical piles for deep foundation solutions, you’ve probably come across helical anchors. The term “pile” refers to the structural element itself—the long steel or wooden rod driven into the ground. Whether the solution is technically referred to as a helical anchor depends on the purpose of the pile.
Helical anchors are used in tension or uplift applications. They can be installed both horizontally and vertically and resist against forces that threaten to uplift or push against your foundation. For example, helical anchors can be used to tie back retaining walls that are tilting due to pressure from surrounding soil. They can also be used to resist uplift in instances of strong winds, earthquakes, and cantilevered construction.
Helical Anchors are installed by hydraulically advancing the anchor to a predetermined depth. This depth is based on soil samples and data, as well as measuring the torque of the Anchor during the installation process. The required amount of torque to install a Helical Anchor is related to the installed ultimate capacity. Helical Anchor spacing and Anchor size is based on depth and ultimate capacity. Anchors are installed between the footing forms and are tied together using rebar or steel mesh grid typically.
If you need foundation repair or think your home or business would benefit from deep foundation support, a foundation expert from United Structural Systems of Illinois can provide a free foundation inspection. During the inspection, they can determine any weak points in your foundation’s support and help determine the best foundation repair solution.
Contact United Structural Systems of Illinois for your next new construction project that has helical piles specified.
