If you are thinking about self-installing helical piers or want to add the capabilities to your construction services, here is a brief overview of how to install a helical pier, helical anchor, or helical pile.
Installation is to be performed by a trained and/or certified PierTech Systems contractor or dealer. PierTech offers free training to all of its installers. Using a hydraulic drive head, install helical piles to required depths. Specific torques and position are shown in drawings and specifications for the specific piers you are working with.
Torque monitoring tools are an essential part of the installation process. They can be located on the equipment or as a separate in-line unit. Their job is to keep a record of the torque and pressure. Torque shall be monitored throughout the entire installation process. Calibrated torque monitoring data will be made available upon request from the project engineer. Each Pile that is installed will have identification, complete torque, complete depth and a pile description recorded in an installation summary. The torque head used should put out more torque than required minimum from the engineer.
Connect the manufacture’s approved adapters to the installation equipment so that the pile can be properly installed. Install them with a continuous motion, with an advancement rate of 5 to 20 rpm. This rate should match the pitch on the pile. Make sure to apply enough downward pressure to help the advancement of the pile into the ground.
Following designed drawings align helical pile. Place the anchor on a pinned location and gain the necessary angular alignment. If the soil is rocky, very hard or full of gravel move to offset marks for pile repositions. Make the connection with high-grade bolts and nuts. If there is anything preventing the proper installment of the pier in the indicated position, remove the substance that is in the way or relocate the pile. When relocating the pile, consult with the project engineer because this could affect the positioning of other piles.
Minimum depth is typically considered five times the diameter of the uppermost helix or the maximum anticipated frost depth. Piles that reach max torque rating before reaching minimum indicated depth shall be subject to either termination at depth; only with the approval of project engineer, or replace with smaller and /or fewer helix pile, installed beyond the termination point of original pile.