Do you have plans for a new office building or factory but just learned the ground soil won’t support the weight of your proposed structure?
While you have a range of options, our team at United Structural Systems of Illinois, Inc. recommends using helical piers for your foundation.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of installing helical piers over other types of foundation support systems.
When Do You Need Helical Piers?
Helical piers (also known as helical piles) are manufactured steel pins that are advanced into the ground similar to a screw and used to support your foundation. They can be used on new foundations, existing foundations, or for additions.
How do you know if you need a helical pier foundation installation?
The first step in a new construction project is to hire a soil engineer to conduct a comprehensive study. Compressive or expansive soils are responsible for most foundation problems because they either swell or contract based on water levels.
If an engineer states that your soil is unsuitable, your foundation will require additional support.
These piers can be installed at specific points around your foundation to prevent future damage from settling or sinking.
Helical pier installation is quick and easy compared to other options. Check out below how we conduct residential and commercial helical piles installation.
The Helical Piers Installation Process
Structural engineers will use soil tests to determine where and how helical piers should be installed. They must be installed to support the new building at the foundation perimeter and column pads.
The tests help them to determine the compression load, tension load, and lateral load. The weight of the building is determined at all locations.
It’s easy to think of helical piers like giant screws that are augured into the ground. Foundation repair experts use a skid steer or excavator to drive the piers into the ground.
At the same time, they monitor the depth and torque to find the perfect spot to support your foundation.
Here are the Benefits of Installing Helical Piers
There is a reason more foundation repair companies are choosing helical piers to fix structural issues.
The main benefit is that helical piers are quicker and easier to install.
Here are some other helical pier benefits:
- No excavation is needed and soil spoils don’t need to be removed
- Your soil or nearby structures won’t be disturbed by hammering or vibrations
- The connecting bolts — from the lead section to its extensions — are no longer subjected to stress during installation
- Helical piles are easy to remove for future ground usage
- You don’t have to wait for concrete or grout to cure. Helical piles can be built on immediately
- These piles are hot-dipped in galvanized steel to not break down or corrode
- Helical piles are pre-engineered and come with a manufacturer’s warranty (plus the installer’s warranty)
As you can see, there are many benefits to helical pile foundation installation. If you need these piers, we recommend hiring installers who are experienced and certified. They should also offer a warranty on their work.
Commercial Helical Piles Installation
With all the benefits of installing helical piers listed above, it’s clear these devices are the best option for securing the foundation on your construction project.
USS installs helical piers on residential and commercial structures. We work with many companies who are building new facilities or renovating what they currently have.
Call us today at 847-382-2882 if you have any questions about commercial helical piles installation, or if you’d like to schedule a free consultation.
