A helical pile is an end-bearing deep foundation system with compression and tension applications. Applying torque to the shaft installs the helical pile with no vibration, no spoils and minimal disturbance. Loads are transferred down the shaft onto the helical plates to the load-bearing strata above and beneath each helical plate. The torque required to install the helical pile correlates to its capacity - the greater the resistance (torque), the denser the soil, and the higher the load-carrying capabilities.
Applications
New Construction
Helical piles are excellent for new construction in tension or compression to support a variety of structures ranging from industrial, commercial, institutional, infrastructure and residential applications from one to thirty stories high.
Retrofit
Well adapted to the challenges that occur in retrofit applications helical piles are great for adding more capacity to an existing foundation for repairs, remediation or renovation.
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Tower Support
From communications to transmisson towers helical piles can be installed in low headroom and in remote areas with difficult access. From new installations to adding capacity to existing structures for new loads helical piles offer flexibility and accessibility.
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Slope Stabilization
In areas where traditional slope stabilization methods are not practical or feasible, helical piles offer an option that tackles access challenges and timing.
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Specialty Shoring
When mobilization for large shoring equipment is an issue because of tight access or low headroom helical piles can be called on to provide a solution to keep projects on track.
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Advantages
No Vibrations/Spoils
Helical piles generate no spoils and no vibrations during install. This makes them an excellent choice when close to existing structures and will not add to your projects excess soils.
No Engineered Pad
Compared to other deep foundation systems, the equipment needed to install helical piles is lighter and takes up a smaller footprint and does not require an engineered pad.
Tight Access Installation
Helical piles can be installed with various equipment ranging from hand-portable equipment to 20 ton excavators, adapting to site conditions and project load requirements.
High Groundwater Applications
High groundwater does not impact installation or capacity of helical piles in compression or tension.
Install to Any Depth
Helical piles can be installed to any depth from 2m to 60m to reach the suitable bearing stratum. The modular system means extenstions can be easily added to reach the required depth.
EBS GEOSTRUCTURAL'S
BUILD ON Approach
At EBS, we have a passion for construction. We live for the challenges associated with today's construction environment. Sites with poor soils, redevelopment of sites, limited access, and adjacent structures. Our team includes structural and geotechnical engineers you can work alongside to design or re-design for the most effective solution for your project.
We blend proven technologies and techniques to push projects forward, sometimes in novel combinations.
Our experienced field staff work closely with our in-house engineering team to develop solutions to site challenges.
We quickly evaluate your project and outline solutions, options, suggestions and budget pricing.
BUILD ON our Growth | Respect | Integrity | Teamwork
HELICAL PILE THEORY
Helical piles resist compression and tension loads.
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As EBS installs the helical pile, the soil is minimally disturbed above and below each helical plate. In this way, the Helical Pile functions in both tension and compression applications.
Individual helical piles can reach 5,000 kN ULS in compression and 2,000 kN ULS in tension.
EBS installs Chance Helical Piles, the oldest and largest manufacturer of helical piles.
Helical PileS
Minimal Disruptions
No Vibrations
No Spoils
Resist Compression, Tension & Lateral Loads
No engineered pads required
HELICAL PILES AND CORROSION
In areas where corrosion is a concern, Chance Helical Piles resist it in 3 ways.
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Chance Piles are hot-dipped galvanized.
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They are oversized by 30% to allow sacrificial corrosion before they are compromised.
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They are typically surrounded by a grout column, further preventing the oxygen and water combination needed for corrosion.
STANDARD HELICAL PILE TERMINATIONS
New Construction
The helical pile terminates with the new construction bracket into grade beams, structural slab or pile cap. The bracket can be bolted to the shaft for tension applications, saving welding time and cost.
Existing Structure
This L-shaped bracket is bolted to the footing and mounted on the pile for existing structures. Torquing down on the bracket nuts pushes down on the helical pile and up on the footing, positively engaging the structure.
If your project requires a non-standard termination, our in-house team and design-build capabilities mean we can work with you to design and implement a solution.
HELICAL PILE OBSTRUCTIONS
Like all deep foundations, helical piles need to deal with obstructions found in the soil. Unlike other deep foundation options, EBS can remove helical piles the same way they went in. Reverse the direction and unscrew the pile to be reused.
Our experience with square shaft helical piles allows us to install helical piles directly into cobbles, often with no issues. A thorough soil report can help us prepare our tools and techniques for a successful installation.
When the obstruction is too large, we can move the installation or batter it at a slight angle to avoid the obstruction. If the obstruction is significant or the relocation of the pile cannot meet the original designs, we can install two helical piles on either side of the obstruction and, working with the prime structural, design a specialty pile cap to bridge the obstruction.
HELICAL PILE SPACING
Helical piles must be spaced between 1-1.5 meters apart at the helix elevation to act independently. The piles can be battered if a tighter grouping is needed for the pile cap or grade beam. The piles can be virtually touching at the termination without impacting capacity.
LATERAL LOADING
Helical piles can resist moderate lateral loads. If the required moment is significant, the helical piles can be battered to resolve the lateral load into tension and compression loads.
EBS AND CHANCE
Chance is North America's oldest and largest manufacturer of helical piles. Today, industry-leading CHANCE Helical Piles are used worldwide to secure residential and commercial buildings, tower foundations, heavy equipment foundations and many other deep foundation applications. Engineered for dependability and long-term stability, CHANCE foundation solutions feature exclusive anchoring techniques, tools, designs and sizes that improve the efficiency and durability of foundation solutions.
Hubbell Power Systems, Inc., the manufacturer of CHANCE® brand helical piles and foundations, is a Corporate Member of the Deep Foundations Institute.
Backed by an internal team of engineers who design and test products, and local distributors who provide engineering support, area soil profiles, product selection, and design assistance, CHANCE® helical piles offer complete foundation solutions with predictable results.​
