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HELICAL PIERS
Helical piers may also be known as screw piles. As both "helical" and "screw" imply,
this method employs a spiral-shaped head that is literally screwed into the ground
using a high-torque hydraulic motor. The screw provides a bearing surface that
transfers the load from the structure to the underlying soil or rock bearing strata.
The piers are screwed into the ground in "flights" as needed to provide structural
remediation. A "flight" is a section of helical pier. Helical piers have a variety of uses,
including slope stabilization and structural underpinning. In slope stabilization, the
helical pier may be screwed into the slope past the fault line and attached to a
suitable retaining wall to maintain slope stability. In structural underpinning, the
failed footings are exposed and helical piers are placed underneath the failed
footings, which are raised to the desired elevation. Footings, building and piers are
secured together using a bracket and the foundation is covered. |
