Technical Bulletin – End Bearing on Bedrock

End Bearing on Bedrock

This Technical Bulletin discusses the performance of helical piles and anchors when end bearing on bedrock. It explains how load transfer can occur through end bearing when pile tips or helices are seated directly on competent rock, providing a stable and reliable foundation condition.

The bulletin outlines important considerations such as rock quality, surface irregularities, and proper seating of the pile to ensure effective load transfer. It also highlights that installation torque alone may not fully indicate capacity in these conditions, making careful evaluation of subsurface conditions essential. Understanding these factors helps ensure dependable performance when helical piles are terminated in or on bedrock.