How Helical Piers Work

Published on 14 Mar, 2023. - by: Wayne Farris

As a homeowner, you may encounter foundation problems. Luckily, helical piers are a dependable and valuable solution to stabilize your foundation and stop it from moving further. If you’re curious about how these piers work, we’ll provide you with the basics so you can comprehend why they’re a prime choice for repairing and revitalizing structures damaged by soil erosion and shifting surfaces. Keep reading to learn more.

What is A Helical Pier?

If you’re facing foundation repair or constructing a new building in an area with poor soil quality, you may have encountered the term “helical pier.” This type of pier comprises a metal shaft with helixes attached. A flight, which is a steel plate welded onto the main shaft of the helical pier, comprises these helixes. These plates are typically 3/8-1/2″ thick and have a pitch of 3″. This pitch enables the helical pier to advance more smoothly into the soil, specifically 3″ per revolution or 4 revolutions per foot.

Whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner dealing with foundation issues, understanding helical piers’ mechanics is essential to ensuring a successful project.

When Should Helical Piers Be Used?

Many property owners prefer Helical Piers for foundation support due to their popularity, speed, ease of use, and versatility. Helical Piers are ideal for building deep foundations and addressing challenging soil conditions. They can help you avoid the inconvenience of traditional foundation solutions. Whether you’re constructing a new building or dealing with problems in your existing structure, investing in Helical Piers could be the answer you’ve been searching for.

How Many Flights Are Needed?

How many flights or helixes are needed? Great question, there is no definitive answer for all applications. On a standard residential project where the loading is 10-30,000 lbs, one-two plates will work (each plate can handle between 20-25,000 lbs/ea depending on the manufacturer).

Adding flights can increase the surface area that is made with soil and multiple flights decrease the loading required on each flight. We have found that adding flights can also help us install the product better as you have two or more flights pulling a helical into a the ground instead of just one single.