Description:
Structure: The pier typically includes:
-Shaft: A steel rod or pipe which provides the main structural support.
-Helical Plates: These are usually made of steel and resemble the threads of a screw, which are welded to the shaft. The size, number, and spacing of these plates are tailored to match the soil characteristics and the load requirements of the structure.
-Couplers: For deeper installations, multiple shafts might be connected using couplers to extend the pier’s length.
Purposes and Applications:
1. Foundation Support: Pre-Construction for Homes and Pools: Helical piers can support new buildings, especially where soil conditions are poor or variable. They are ideal for structures like homes, commercial buildings, or telecom towers.
2. Homes- Stable Foundations: Ideal for Florida’s varying soil conditions, including sandy soils and high water tables. Helical piers provide immediate support, critical in hurricane-prone areas where quick construction is beneficial.
3. Cost and Time Efficiency: Reduces need for extensive soil remediation, speeding up the building process and potentially lowering costs.
4. Pools: Secure Base: Ensures pools remain stable despite Florida’s soil challenges, preventing future settling or shifting due to moisture changes or hurricanes.
5. Reduced Landscape Impact: Minimal disruption to the site is beneficial in residential areas focused on preserving yard aesthetics.
Stabilizing or Reinforcing Existing Structures:
They are used to stabilize or lift existing buildings experiencing foundation settlement or to increase load capacity for renovations or additions.
1. Stabilization: Settlement Prevention: Florida’s buildings, especially older ones or those on reclaimed land, can benefit from helical piers to halt further settling due to soil moisture fluctuations or coastal erosion.
Hurricane Preparedness: Enhances resistance against storm surges and wind uplift by providing deep foundation support.
2. Reinforcement: Additional Loads: Useful when adding to structures, like extra floors or heavy equipment, ensuring the foundation can handle increased weight.
Seismic and Wind Resistance: Although less common, Florida’s buildings can still benefit from added stability against lateral forces, particularly from hurricanes.
3. Soil Stabilization: They can be used to stabilize slopes, retaining walls, or embankments, preventing soil movement or erosion.
4. Tiebacks: In excavation or construction near existing structures, helical piers can serve as tiebacks to counteract lateral earth pressures, ensuring the stability of walls or foundations.
5. Load Transfer: They transfer structural loads to more stable soil or bedrock layers below the surface, bypassing weaker or problematic soil layers.
6. Resistance to Environmental Factors: Because they can be installed quickly with minimal disturbance, helical piers are advantageous in areas prone to high water tables, coastal erosion, or where environmental impact needs to be minimized.
7. Temporary Structures: For temporary supports during construction phases or for structures that might need to be relocated.
8. Retrofitting: Enhancing the seismic resistance of existing buildings by adding deep foundation support.
Benefits in Florida:
1. Speed of Installation: Critical in hurricane season for quick construction or repairs.
2. Adaptability: Works well with Florida’s diverse soil types, from sandy beaches to marshy areas.
Minimal Disruption: Less noise, vibration, and site disturbance. Important in densely populated areas or where environmental considerations are paramount.
3. Immediate Load Capacity: Structures can be built or stabilized right after installation, a crucial advantage in recovery scenarios post-disaster.
4. Environmental Considerations: Less invasive, preserving Florida’s delicate ecosystems.
Helical piers provide a versatile and efficient option for new builds like homes and pools, as well as for stabilizing or reinforcing existing structures. They adapt to diverse challenges, minimize disruption, and can reduce overall project costs.
