• Little soil disturbance. Excellent performance with little to no vibration and very little soil disturbance during pile installation results in minimal environmental impact.
• Excellent resistance to upward forces. These piles, often featuring galvanization for added durability, are especially important in expansive soil. The helix is anchored in competent load bearing soil and the frictional forces along the shaft are negligible compared to the end bearing force.
• Screw Piles are designed as a “True End Bearing Pile” only, with impressive load-bearing capacity. Any minimal “skin friction” on the side of the pile shaft is not calculated into the pile’s required capacity. The amount of weight the pile can handle is governed by the bottom of the pile (Helix plate). This creates confidence in the Helical Pier System to perform in soils where moisture levels change (which would change the parameters upon which any friction pile would work). Keeping in mind that the most common reason for foundation settlement is shrinkage of the soils due to moisture loss, the Helical Pier, with its excellent frost heave resistance, is the most practical choice for the Engineering community.

• How are helical screw piles installed in Edmonton? Screw piling is a fast and efficient process. Helical screw piles are installed using specialized machinery that rotates the pile into the ground while applying a downward force. The depth of installation and the torque correlation are monitored to ensure proper installation and capacity, enhancing overall performance.
• What types of structures can be supported with helical screw piles? Helical screw piles can be used to support a wide range of structures, including residential and commercial buildings, bridges, towers, and retaining walls, providing great lateral stability.
• How do I determine the appropriate size and type of helical screw pile for my project to ensure quality and sturdy support? The size and type of helical screw pile needed for a project depend on several factors, such as the weight and type of structure to be supported, soil and ground conditions, and the design requirements of the project. A qualified engineer or helical screw pile contractor can help determine the appropriate size and type of pile for a specific project through a comprehensive geotechnical assessment.
• What is the impressive lifespan of helical screw piles in Edmonton’s soil conditions? Helical screw piles are designed to provide long-lasting support for structures. Their lifespan can vary depending on the soil and ground conditions, the design of the structure being supported, and other factors, with load testing ensuring their long-term performance. Properly installed and maintained helical screw piles can last for decades or even centuries.
• Can helical screw piles be installed in areas with limited access, such as in St-Albert? Yes, helical screw piles can be installed in areas with limited access, such as remote or confined sites, where other types of foundation systems may be impractical or impossible to install, thanks to specialized installation equipment. They can be installed using smaller equipment and require less space for installation compared to other foundation systems.

Key Takeaways: Understanding Helical Screw Piles and Their Installation Benefits

• Helical screw piles provide strong foundation support through a shaft and helix design that screws into the ground.
• Specialized machines install helical screw piles by rotating them into the ground while monitoring depth and torque.
• Abarent Construction installs helical screw piles in Edmonton with costs ranging from $1500 to $5000 dollars per pile.
• Helical screw piles create minimal environmental impact because they disturb very little soil during installation.
• Engineers design helical screw piles to support buildings for hundreds of years without losing strength.
• Small equipment can install helical screw piles in tight spaces where other foundation systems cannot fit.
• Helical screw piles resist upward forces particularly well in areas with expanding soil conditions.