Teco Towers

Expanding Transmission Tower Foundations Without Service Disruption

As electrical infrastructure ages and system demands increase, utilities often need to strengthen existing transmission structures without replacing them. For the TECO 230kV Transmission Towers in Tampa, Florida, foundation rehabilitation required a solution capable of increasing structural capacity while minimizing disruption to existing operations.

The Challenge

The transmission towers ranged from 127 to 157 feet in height and were supported by four structural steel legs. Each leg founded on an approximately 3.5-foot diameter, 25-foot deep reinforced concrete drilled shaft. As part of the rehabilitation project, the existing foundations needed additional capacity without extensive excavation or replacement of the original foundation system.

The MAGNUM Solution

Working with Hayward Baker Florida, MAGNUM® Helical Piles were selected to expand the capacity of the existing tower foundations.

The rehabilitation included the installation of 146 MAGNUM® Helical Piles utilizing MH325BR, MH425B, and MH431 pile systems strategically installed around the existing concrete foundations. To verify performance, two full-scale tension load tests were completed, confirming the foundation system met the project's structural requirements.

The helical pile solution provided a practical method for strengthening the existing foundations while minimizing site disturbance and maintaining an efficient construction schedule.

The Result

The upgraded foundation system provided the additional support needed to extend the service life of the transmission towers while avoiding the cost and disruption associated with replacing the existing foundations. By utilizing high-capacity helical piles, the project team successfully rehabilitated the structures with a dependable deep foundation solution designed for long-term performance.

Project Highlights

• Project: TECO 230kV Transmission Towers
• Location: Tampa, Florida
• Application: Transmission Tower Foundation Rehabilitation
• Foundation System: MAGNUM® MH325BR, MH425B & MH431 Helical Piles
• Installer: Hayward Baker Florida
• Helical Piles Installed: 146
• Verification: Two full-scale tension load tests
• Objective: Increase foundation capacity without replacing existing drilled shafts

Why MAGNUM®

Utility infrastructure requires foundation solutions that deliver reliable performance while minimizing service interruptions and construction impacts. MAGNUM® Helical Piles provide a proven method for strengthening existing transmission tower foundations, allowing utilities to upgrade critical infrastructure quickly, efficiently, and with confidence.

Strengthening Critical Infrastructure—One Foundation at a Time.