MAGNUM Informational Bulletin ISO-MAG2-11A

Helical Piles Defined

Presentation by: Howard A. Perko, Ph.D., P.E.
Magnum Geo-Solutions, LLC

Copyright 2011 – Magnum Piering, Inc.,

All Rights reserved. May be distributed
and printed by express written
permission of the author only.
 HELICAL PILES

Definition
Installation
Advantages/Disadvantages
Bearing & Pullout Capacity
Minimum Embedment
Group Efficiency
Specifying Helical Piles

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Helical Piles Defined
Plate Cap
Helical Piles:
Extension Central Steel Shaft with One
or More Helix Shaped
Bearing Elements that is
Screwed Into the Ground to
Support the Loads of
Coupling Structures

Lead
Pitch (a.k.a. Helical Piers, Screw
Piles, Torque Anchors, Auger
Helix Screw Piles, Helix Piers)

Pilot Point
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 Helical Pile
Installation

Position and Install Pile

Halt at Required Torque
Cut-Off Pile
Mount Cap
Cast Concrete

January 2007
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Machine Installation

From Perko (2009)

Helical Piles
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Hand Installation

From Perko (2009)

Helical Piles
Copyright 2011 – Magnum Piering, Inc.
 Advantages
 Low noise and vibrations
 Small, maneuverable
installation equipment
 Removal and replacement
 Ease of transport
 Compression or tension
 All-weather installation
 Rapid installation
 Does not produce drill spoil
 Immediate post tensioning
 Shorter bond length
 Do not require casing

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 Disadvantages
 Cannot penetrate very hard
rock (SPT N>100)
 Concrete and construction
debris is problematic
 Difficult in cobble and
boulders
 Ease of installation means
contractor pre-qualification
important
 Slender shaft makes lateral
bracing imperative
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Bearing & Pullout Capacity
See Magnum Bulletin
ISO-MHP4-11A Reliability
and Theory of Helix Sizing
for more information about
calculating capacity.

From Perko (2009)

Helical Piles
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Minimum Embedment

• Bottom below
potential unstable
soils
• Penetrate a
certain stratum
• Provide sufficient
cover to resist
Improper Length shallow pullout

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Minimum Embedment

Buoyant Unit W eight=

56 62 68 72 75 81 pcf
[0.90] [0.99] [1.09] [1.15] [1.20] [1.30] [g/cm 3]
10

9
1)

8
Embedment Ratio (H/D

Helix Diameter
7 (in) [mm]

6
6 [152]
5 8 [203]
10 [254]
4
12 [304]
3 14 [355]
18 [457]
2
24 [609]
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

SPT Blow Count

From Perko (2009)

Helical Piles
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Minimum Embedment

From Perko (2009)

Helical Piles
Copyright 2011 – Magnum Piering, Inc.
Group Efficiency

Generally 3 to 4
Helix Diameter
Pile Spacing
Required to avoid
Group Effects

From
Perko (2009)
Helical Piles
Copyright 2011 – Magnum Piering, Inc.
Specifying Helical Piles
• Pile Locations
• Pile Type/Size
• Required Pile
Capacity
• Comp., Tension, Lateral

• Minimum Depth/
Bearing Stratum

See www.magnumpiering.com for example plans and

• Required Torque
written specifications.
• Load Tests if
Required
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Contact Information
Magnum Piering, Inc.
www.magnumpiering.com
800-822-PIER (7437)
6082 Schumacher Park Drive
West Chester, OH 45069