What is a Helical Anchor? When to Use and The Benefits.

Helical anchor uses and benefits

A Helpful Summary of Helical Anchors

There are a number of situations where standard solutions can not be applied to your foundation project. For example, the foundation may be exposed to moisture for an extended period of time. Also, the soil conditions may prevent the use of standard foundation systems. In such cases, deep foundation solutions such as helical anchors should be utilized. So what is a helical anchor and how will it help? Find out below:

What’s a Helical Anchor?
A helical anchor, also known as a screw pile, screw anchor, or helical pile, is an extendable foundation system which consists of helically shaped steel plates that are attached to a central steel shaft with a round or square cross-section. The steel plates’ thickness, number, diameter, and helices position are determined by the restrained or supported structure’s minimum design life, the environmental corrosion and geotechnical parameters, and the design load requirements.

Helical anchors are installed via rotation into the ground using hydraulic rotary attachments fitted to earth moving equipment. As a result, they don’t require massive excavation work. The plates offer substantial pull-out resistance once they’ve advanced to a suitable depth. They then transfer the load from the steel shaft to the soil. Modern helical anchors have load capacities that exceed 2,000 kN.

When are Helical Anchors used?
Helical anchors can be used to secure new foundations or repair existing ones. They’re used for lighthouses, roads, rail, telecommunication, and in many other industries that require fast installation or building near existing structures. Signs, retaining structures, and masts are other common uses since they’re suitable for compression as well as tensile loads.

The anchors can also be used to repair your property’s existing foundation and cracked or leaning walls.

What are the Benefits of Helical Anchors?
A helical anchor offers numerous advantages, which include:

  • Ease of  installation and removal
  • Installation in any weather condition and across restricted access sites
  • Reduces a project’s carbon footprint
  • Saves time on projects
  • Reduces transport costs since there is little soil disturbance, so there’s no
  • need to carry excess soil from the site
  • There’s little to no vibration
  • Reduces foundation costs

There are many benefits you can expect from helical anchors if you have them installed correctly.

For more information, contact us at Lassiter Excavating. We’ve been drilling and installing concrete piers and helical anchors in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1989. We can handle large projects and work in very limited access situations. We also provide excavation, pool demolition, and removal services.

To get a free quote, please contact us at 925-449-3112 or fill out our online contact form.