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San Antonio Helical Piles

Quality Steel Helical Piles

Development of the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Helical Foundation Systems and Devices (AC358) relied on Ram Jack’s extensive expertise in the field of helicals (sometimes called helical piers or helical piles). This document has become an industry standard against which all helical foundation systems are measured.

Helical foundations’ efficiency and relatively low cost mean greater demand. “The adoption of acceptance criteria AC358 and having the ESR-1854 completed on Ram Jack Foundation Systems are major milestones, not only for Ram Jack, but for the helical industry as a whole,” said Darin Willis, Director of Engineering with Ram Jack.

How Do Helical Piers Work?

A helical pier is a steel pin built with helices like a screw. They are designed to support and reinforce buildings and are often used where soil conditions require added support. They do not require excavation and can be installed quickly. Installation requires torque monitoring and torque driver equipment. Helical piers are usually installed to a depth of 10 to 30 feet.

For homes that are experiencing foundation failure, helical piers help to repair cracks and damage due to shifting soil or poor water drainage.

Features of Helical Piles

  • Patented threaded connection provides a higher torque rating to penetrate dense soils
  • Rigid connections maximize lateral capacity
  • Up to six different pile diameters in stock to provide the most economical solution to meet any design load
  • Custom fabrication of piles & brackets for residential, commercial, industrial, and utility solutions
  • Thermoplastic coating resists corrosion and is environmentally friendly
  • Helical piles are stamped into true spiral shape to penetrate load-bearing strata

Installation of Helical Piles/Piers

The Ram Jack helical pile system allows for installation without an existing structure to react against, unlike driven piles. Installation of helical piles uses a hydraulically powered torque driver. The helical piles can also be placed in a battered (angled) configuration to resist lateral loads or to sustain basement and retaining walls. This deep foundation solution is considered an “instant pile” system since foundations can be built immediately upon installation rather than waiting for concrete piles to dry.

Animation of interior helical pier:

Helical Pile/Pier Applications

Helical piles are extremely versatile; they can be utilized in either compression or tension. This allows for many uses:

  • Tilt walls
  • Retaining walls
  • Basement walls
  • Both lightweight structures as well as industrial use
  • Porches
  • Pier and beam homes
  • Solar Panels
  • Wind Turbines
  • Bridges

Used in place of concrete pilings, helicals require minimal machinery for installation and can be done in tighter spaces. The torquing action of installation does not leave spoils. Helical piers can be installed in just about any weather and can be loaded immediately upon install without waiting on concrete to cure.

Keep your family and home safe. Make an appointment with Ram Jack Texas - Central/South or start by calling (210) 970-7115.

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