• Little soil disturbance. Excellent performance with little to no vibration and very little soil disturbance during pile installation results in minimal environmental impact, making them ideal for environmentally sensitive areas.
• Excellent resistance to upward forces. These foundation piles, often featuring galvanization for added durability, are especially important in expansive soil conditions. The helix is anchored in competent load bearing soil and the frictional forces along the shaft are negligible compared to the end bearing force, providing superior uplift resistance.
• 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 included in the calculation of the pile’s required weight 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 soil conditions 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 structural engineering community.

• How are helical foundation screw piles installed in Edmonton? Construction screw piling is a fast and efficient foundation installation process. Helical foundation screw piles, cylindrical steel support shafts with helical bearing plates, are installed using specialized hydraulic machinery that rotates the foundation pile into the ground soil while applying a calculated downward force. The installation depth and the torque correlation measurements are continuously monitored to ensure proper installation and load-bearing capacity, enhancing overall structural performance and stability in Edmonton’s varied soil conditions.
• What types of building structures can be supported with helical foundation screw piles? Helical foundation screw piles can be used to support a wide range of building structures, including residential homes, commercial office buildings, bridge transportation structures, telecommunications tower structures, solar panel arrays, and retaining wall structures, providing excellent vertical support and lateral stability in both compression and tension load applications.
• How do I determine the appropriate size and type of helical foundation screw pile for my construction project to ensure quality and sturdy structural support? The size and type of helical foundation screw pile needed for a construction project depend on several critical factors, such as the weight and type of structure to be supported, soil composition and ground conditions, frost depth considerations, and the specific design engineering requirements of the project. A qualified geotechnical engineer or certified helical screw pile installation contractor can help determine the appropriate size and type of foundation pile for a specific construction project through a comprehensive geotechnical assessment and site evaluation.
• What is the impressive service lifespan of helical foundation screw piles in Edmonton’s soil conditions? Helical foundation screw piles are designed to provide long-lasting support for building structures in Edmonton’s challenging soil environments. Their service lifespan can vary depending on the soil composition and ground conditions, the galvanization quality of the foundation pile, the design of the structure being supported, and environmental factors, with load testing ensuring their long-term performance. Properly installed and maintained helical foundation screw piles constructed with corrosion-resistant materials can last for decades or even centuries without significant deterioration.
• Can helical foundation screw piles be installed in areas with limited access space, such as in St-Albert? Yes, helical foundation screw piles can be installed in areas with limited access space, such as remote locations, confined urban sites, or environmentally sensitive areas in St-Albert, where other types of foundation systems may be impractical or impossible to install, thanks to compact specialized installation equipment. They can be installed using smaller portable machinery and require significantly less excavation space for installation compared to traditional concrete foundation systems, making them ideal for retrofit construction projects and tight construction sites.

Key Takeaways: Understanding Helical Screw Piles and Their Installation Benefits

• Helical screw piles consist of a central steel shaft with one or more helical steel plates that enhance foundation stability while creating minimal soil disturbance during installation.
• The installation process uses specialized hydraulic machinery that rotates the piles into the ground while applying downward force and continuously monitoring depth and torque measurements.
• Abarent Construction provides professional helical screw pile installation services in Edmonton with costs ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 per pile depending on factors like pile length and soil composition.
• The helical design anchors in competent load-bearing soil and offers excellent resistance to upward forces, making these piles especially valuable in expansive soil conditions.
• Helical screw piles function as “True End Bearing Piles” where the weight capacity depends on the helix plate rather than shaft friction, creating reliable performance even when soil moisture levels change.
• Original helical piers installed in England around 1830 have maintained their integral strength over centuries, demonstrating the exceptional structural longevity of properly installed screw piles.
• Helical piles support various structures including residential homes, commercial buildings, and solar panel arrays, and can be installed in limited access spaces where traditional foundation systems would be impractical.