Also known as helical anchors or helical piles, helical piers repair the existing faulty foundations. Helical pier installation by HydroHelp911 is done on the existing foundations and used to construct the new foundation where the soil does not provide suitable conditions to support the regular traditional foundation. Helical pier installation in Hickory, NC, is considered an ideal solution for places where the soil is not in a condition to support your foundation firmly.
The helical piers by HydroHelp911 are screwed into the ground with the help of hydraulic drills. The type of helical pier used will decide the load capacity. After installing the helical pier, the HydroHelp911 team will conduct a compression load test to verify the installation procedure and confirm the design.
Components of the Pier
Helix Shaped Bearing Plate (minimum one):
The plates are designed in a helical shape to minimize soil disturbance during the installation process. A well-designed pier in a helical shape does not significantly disturb the soil. The bearing plates do the job of transferring the load to the load-bearing soil below the surface of the ground.
Central Shaft
The central shaft takes on the role of transmitting the torque to the plates during the installation process. The axial load is sent to the soil bearing stratum and the helical plates by the shaft. The central shaft must have torsional strength and structural capacity that will be responsible for exceeding the stress from the structure the shaft will be supporting.
Termination
The termination will pass the load through the shaft to the helical plates, transferring the load directly into the soil. Termination is designed either in the form of an attachment created on the site by the structural engineers or brackets that are already manufactured in advance. The termination helps in dividing the structural load on the helical piers evenly. The piers are used to resist the load or any application on the walls or foundation. The piers are installed to transfer the load from the soil’s surface to a deeper area into the ground, suitable for taking the structure’s load.
Applications of Helical Piers
Helical piers can take a light to medium load if using piers, and if pile groups are used, they bear the load of the structure on the heavier side. The structural engineer at HydroHelp911 will visit the location, evaluate all possible solutions, and recommend a suitable resolution before jumping to the installation of helical piers. Factors like underlying soil conditions, the condition of the existing structure, and the structure’s load capacity will decide which solution will be suitable to solve your problem.
Helical piers are used in foundation repairs where there is an expansion in the surrounding soil. The installation of helical piers by HydroHelp911 in Hickory, NC, will cut down on cost and time compared to other complex and expensive excavation and fill options.
Why Will Your House Structure Need Helical Piers Installed?
Helical piers are used for the strengthening of the foundation of your home. It will protect the foundation structure from any damages, thus making it durable. In addition, helical piers are known to repair the foundation structure in the following conditions:
- Repair cracks in the walls of the basement
- Crack repairs of the interior walls
- Repair gaps that have formed on the frames of the doors and windows
- When there is any obstruction or disturbance while opening or closing the doors.
The Lifespan of Helical Piers
Helical Piers used by HydroHelp911 are coated with the most top-notch galvanizing available in the industry. Because of this, the helical piers are protected from any corrosion and rust. In the most ideal soil conditions, the life expectancy of the piers exceeds three to four decades. However, every type of soil has different characteristics; in order to properly provide an estimate on the life expectancy of the piers, our structural engineer at HydroHelp911 will conduct a test that will specify the average life expectancy of the helical piers for the project.
What are the Issues Associated with Helical Piers?
Over years of experience in the waterproofing and structural repairing field, our team at HydroHelp911 has realized some problems that the owners may face and we keep these in mind always. First, the total cost of the installation depends on the depth of soil that needs to be reached in order to conduct a proper installation. So, if the project requires digging deep, then the cost of the installation will also increase. This usually occurs at places with a high water table or soil with many organics. The major drawback of this is that we cannot estimate the depth in advance. The team can only know where there will be too much depth; for example, places near the water bodies will need extra digging, but the amount of depth will be understood only after the pier is installed.
Advantages of Helical Piers
Installation of helical piers by HydroHelp911 can prove beneficial for areas where the soil is challenging. But apart from this benefit, other benefits which the helical piers have is:
ECO-FRIENDLY
The helical pier installation process involves minimum to no damage to the site. The process does not include any soil cutting or disturbances. The procedure of installation does not require any heavy equipment and overall, is a simple process. The installed piles can be left in place for an extended period and reused on a future project.
QUICK INSTALLATION PROCESS
The helical pier installation process by HydroHelp911 is quick, as it does not need any heavy equipment to carry the work. Also, the weather condition does not affect the installation procedure. There is no waiting period here as the piers can be loaded immediately post-installation.
VERSATILITY IN INSTALLATION POSITIONS
The position of the helical piers does not define its limitations. The piers are usually positioned vertically. However, these piers can be arranged in places that fit the foundation’s design, needs and structure.
EXCELLENT PRECISION IN REPAIRING STRUCTURES
When you are repairing your damaged structure, the repair work must be done accurately and provide results with precision. Helical pier installation by HydroHelp911 provides these efficient results. In addition, as the process involves using a handheld device, it is easier to check how much resistance and torque is used and know when to stop digging.
COST-EFFECTIVE
Because the procedure does not require any heavy equipment and the piers are easy to transport and install, both time and money are saved, especially on architects and engineers. On top of that, the process of the pier installation itself isn’t inherently messy.
Along with these benefits, some more advantages of installing helical piers are:
- No soil needs to be removed
- No vibrations
- No need for concrete
- The helical pier system at HydroHelp911 in Hickory, NC, is pre-engineered
- Piers can be loaded immediately
- The system is easy to modify on site
Choose HydroHelp911 for Helical Pier Installation
With our expert foundation waterproofing and structural repair team you can be sure of the quality of work we deliver and the products we use to repair your home. We offer a free inspection for waterproofing and structural repairs in Hickory, NC and surrounding areas. Our experts will coordinate and assist with designing a perfect solution to your foundation problems.
To schedule an appointment, contact us today.
How are helical piers used?
Helical piers are combined with attachment brackets or any form of termination to bear the load of the existing structures. They can either be installed vertically or positioned at an angle where the foundation or the structure needs stabilization against foundation loads.
Can helical piers be used as an alternative to drilling shafts and driven piles?
The primary role of helical shafts is to transfer the structure’s load, either dead or alive, into the soil deep in the ground. Hence it is an ideal alternative to use instead of using drill shafts and driven piles.
What is the application of the helical pier system?
Helical piers have applications in the following fields:
- Constrained sites
- Soil anchors
- Foundation Support
- Underpinning
- Boardwalks and pedestrian bridges
How much will installing helical piers cost?
The installation of helical piers depends on the factors listed here:
- Location of the site
- Type of the structure
- Condition of the foundation
- Type of work that is to be carried out; is it a repair or building a new structure?
- Depth of pier/pile installation
Why is helical pier a better option as compared to other solutions available on the market?
Helical pier installation by HydroHelp911 in Hickory, NC, is considered a better option than other systems because the system does not produce any noise. It is a cost-effective process, causes zero disturbance, and is a quick installation process.
