Helical Piles & Auger Cast Piles

When constructing a foundation or repairing a foundation there are two methods to allow the weight of the structure to be placed on something other than the foundation itself, which can sink into unstable soil. Helical piles and auger cast piles both give a structure better support.

Helical Pile

Anyone outside of the construction world wouldn’t have a clue what a helical pile is, but they are extremely important to foundation repair in a home or structure. A helical pile is a steel shaft with helix shaped plates, or blades welded to the shaft. Basically, it is a giant screw. A pile refers to a deep foundation that can resist tension and heavy loads. The helical pile is drilled or screwed down into the ground using torque and brackets are used to attach the helical pile and the structure. This can be done with either new construction or to repair an existing foundation. Helical piles, screw piles, helical piers, helical anchors and helix piers are all used interchangeably. However, the term “pier” mostly refers to compression, and “anchor” mostly refers to tension.

Benefits of helical piles are:

• They are sustainable in all climates and can be installed in freezing temperatures. Rotary installation does not produce vibrations, unlike traditional driven piles.
• They can be installed in limited or tight spaces using handheld equipment, mini-excavators or larger track equipment.
• For temporary structures, helical piles can be used and removed.
• Steel piles don’t require curing time like drilled shafts or auger-cast piles so foundation concrete can be poured directly after installation.

 

 

Auger Pile

An auger cast pile is another method to create an alternative foundation support. An auger is a tool with a helical bit for drilling holes into wood, ground or other deep surfaces. Auger cast piles are installed by drilling a hollow shaft auger into the soil to the specified depth. As the auger is slowly extracted, drilled soil and rock is removed and concrete or grout is pumped through the hollow shaft. Reinforcing steel is then added to the wet concrete according to the pile specifications, although using reinforcing steel is not required. Auger cast piles are both end bearing and friction based. This technique supports buildings, towers and bridges. Benefits to auger piles are:
There could be concerns for corrion on the steel helical piers in certain situations.
Auger piles can be less expensive than helical piles. The cost of concrete or grout and reinforcing steel will be much less than material for an alternate pile with the same load bearing capacities.
There will be less noise when using auger cast piles.

 

 

Depending on the area, time and money auger cast piles and helical piles are both great ways in which to prevent further foundation and structural damage, or to provide sturdy support for new construction. If you’re looking for foundation repair or new construction foundations, contact a team member .