What Is A Helical Anchor?

As the economic pressures of the most recent financial crisis begin to fade away, real estate markets are once again on the upswing. Metropolitan areas like Denver, Seattle, Boise and Omaha are going through periods of intense growth, which means that commercial and residential development is in high demand.

Developers who are working to meet this demand need to know about the function and benefits of tools like helical anchors which provide extra stability for structures erected in less than desirable soil conditions.

Helical Anchor Description

Also referred to as helical piles, these devices consist of load bearing plates welded to steel shafts, and can be square or round in shape. The plates help to more evenly distribute the weight of a building. To the untrained eye, a helical anchor looks like a giant screw that’s meant to attach a building’s foundation more firmly to the earth.

Helical Anchor Function

Helical anchors/piles can be used in both compression and tension applications. In a compression application, the helical anchor is drilled down into the earth to help bear the load of the building. In a tension application, the helical anchor is aimed up toward the sky to help push the building away from the ground.

Magnum Helical Anchors can be installed quickly and help to eliminate soil removal costs, making them a good solution for a variety of development types.