Helical Piers
Not every construction site provides ideal soil conditions for supporting a new structure with a conventional shallow foundation. Weak, unstable, or unsuitable soils near the surface can make it necessary to transfer structural loads deeper into the ground where more suitable bearing conditions can be reached. Helical piers provide one method of creating that deeper foundation support.
Capel Masonry & Concrete installs helical piers for new construction projects throughout the Greater Charlotte area. Our helical pier services are intended for new structures where piers are specified as part of the foundation system. We do not provide helical pier installation for foundation repair, underpinning, lifting, or stabilization of existing structures.
What Are Helical Piers?
Helical piers are steel foundation elements that are installed into the ground to provide support for a new structure. A pier consists of a steel shaft with one or more helical plates that allow it to advance into the soil as it is rotated.
Rather than relying entirely on soils close to the surface, the pier extends to a depth where the required support can be achieved. Once installed, the helical piers become part of the foundation system and help transfer structural loads into suitable supporting soils.
The size, depth, spacing, capacity, and other requirements of a helical pier system depend on the project and should be established according to the applicable plans and engineering requirements.
When Are Helical Piers Used in New Construction?
Site conditions can vary considerably from one property to another. In some locations, soils near the surface may not provide the support required for the planned structure. Fill material, variable soil conditions, or other site-specific factors can also affect foundation design.
When helical piers are specified, they can provide deep foundation support without relying exclusively on shallow bearing conditions.
Potential new-construction applications can include foundations and other structural elements where plans call for helical pier support. Because every project is different, the decision to use piers should be based on the requirements established for the particular structure and site.
Helical Pier Installation for New Foundations
Helical pier installation needs to be coordinated with the construction of the foundation it will support. The piers are installed at the locations and to the requirements established for the project before being incorporated into the new foundation system.
The steel shafts are mechanically advanced into the ground, with additional sections added as necessary to reach the required installation conditions. The completed piers can then be connected to the new foundation or structural element according to the project design.
This process makes careful layout and coordination important. Pier locations need to correspond with the planned foundation, while the installation itself needs to remain consistent with the specifications established for the project.
Working With the Overall Foundation Plan
Helical piers are one component of a larger foundation system. Their installation needs to work with the footings, slabs, walls, grade beams, or other structural components included in the project.
Capel Masonry & Concrete has experience with concrete and masonry construction, allowing our team to approach helical pier installation as part of the broader construction process rather than as an isolated site improvement.
We can coordinate our work around the project requirements so the pier installation fits the sequence of the new foundation construction.
Why Proper Installation Matters
A helical pier is intended to transfer structural loads into the ground, making installation quality particularly important.
Pier placement, installation depth, site conditions, connection details, and the requirements established for the project all affect how the system needs to be installed. The objective is not simply to place steel piers beneath a structure but to install the specified foundation components correctly and in the proper locations.
Following the project plans also helps ensure that the pier system integrates correctly with the concrete or structural work constructed above it.
Helical Piers Are for New Construction Only
Capel Masonry & Concrete's helical pier service is specifically for new construction.
We do not install helical piers beneath existing homes, commercial buildings, or other existing structures. We also do not provide foundation lifting, foundation stabilization, underpinning, or helical pier foundation repair.
If helical piers have been specified for a new project, however, our team can work with the construction requirements to install the pier system before the supported structure is built.
Helical Pier Installation in the Greater Charlotte Area
Foundation conditions and structural requirements can make deep foundation support an important part of certain new construction projects. When helical piers are specified, having the installation coordinated with the rest of the foundation work can help keep construction moving in the proper sequence.
Capel Masonry & Concrete provides helical pier installation for qualifying new construction projects throughout the Greater Charlotte area.
Contact us at 704-690-5797 or via our online form to discuss your project, plans, and helical pier requirements and determine whether our team is a good fit for the work.