Steel foundations, specifically helical piers, are pre-manufactured steel pins designed to be driven into the ground using hydraulic machinery to reach depths below the frostline.
Why Piers Over Traditional Methods?
Initially used mainly in heavy commercial projects, helical piers are now expanding their applications and proving to be suitable for various residential purposes such as backyard decks, additions, and sheds.
Typically, helical piers have a shaft of about 7 feet in length, featuring a helical bearing plate welded to one end and a Bracket on the top to attach to the framing. These piers are load tested upon installation, providing contractors with precise information about the weight they can support.
The load-bearing capacity of a helical pier depends on the torque required for its installation, which is influenced by the size of the helix and the soil's bearing capacity. During the installation process, a pressure gauge on the machine measures the torque as the pier is rotated into the ground. If the soil is weak, the pier will be driven deeper until stronger soil is reached. Once the helix is below the frostline and the pressure gauge indicates adequate loading capacity for the structure, the installation is considered complete. To calculate the actual bearing capacity, the pressure reading is plugged into a torque correlation formula.
In cases where poor soil conditions demand greater depth, an extension can be added to the standard-length shaft. This allows the pier to reach more stable ground, making it a convenient choice for freestanding decks, where piers close to the house may start in backfill. Unlike conventional concrete footings that require digging down to virgin ground, helical piers can be driven to the necessary depth.
During installation, loose rocks can be navigated around or pushed aside by the helix, and if a large rock is encountered below the frostline, the pier is parked on top of it and load tested. Passing the load test ensures the pier's stability, while failure will prompt the installation in a different spot.
The installation of a helical pier in average soil typically takes about 10-20 minutes, providing a solid foundation ready for construction. The load rating readings are presented to the inspector as proof of stability, guaranteeing that there will be no settling or movement in the future. Helical piers offer the assurance that footings won't heave or shift, providing long-term peace of mind.
At Pierology, we employ top-quality helical piers with a 7-foot, 2-3/8" diameter leads made from galvanized steel, ensuring strength and durability. Our piers come with a 75-year guarantee, can be installed in any season, and are unaffected by high water tables. With a patented cross-bolt connection, our piers save time during installation and provide a secure steel-on-steel connection with no bolt hole elongation. This unique design offers superior lateral strength and stability due to a patented 10'' or 12'' plate at the bottom of the pier, along with circular tapered plates (helices) welded to the center of the shaft, resulting in a greater load capacity and minimal soil disturbance. Our cross lock connection is ICC-ER (ESR-3969) certified, ensuring its reliability and performance.
Ready to get started?
If your project is within 20 miles of the Metamora, Mi area we will gladly provide a free site estimate. Submit plans (professionally drafted or rough drawn) and we will send you:
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If your project is in Michigan, please call or text us at 248-978-1744 to discuss your project needs or fill out our contact form and we will respond to you as quickly as possible.