Helical foundations
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
There are a number of reasons that helical piles are used in both residential and commercial applications. Their history dates back to the early 1800's. Alexander Mitchell invented the first helical pile in 1833, a feat that earned him a Telford Medal. It is interesting to note that Mitchell was blind at the time that he invented the helical pile and had only four years of formal education.
[edit] The physical attributes of a helical pile
Helical piles are made of secured steel with low-fitted steel plates welded to the base. They resemble household screws used for DIY projects, but on a much larger scale. Tension and compression allow helical piles to stabilise objects in a variety of soil conditions. Machine mounted hydraulic or electrically powered drills are used to install helical piles.
[edit] The progression of helical piling
Since their invention, they have been used for highway foundations, buildings and marine piers. This includes the lighthouse in the Thames Estuary and the 1863 Brighton Pier. Years later, the helical piling technique was utilised for the installation of telecommunication towers. Since the year 2000, it has gradually been adopted as a foundation solution by Network Rail and Highways England.
[edit] The benefits of installing helical piles
There are several benefits of using helical piles:
- They can be installed in confined spaces that are difficult to access.
- They utilise a low-noise, minimal vibration installation method. This prevents disruption to neighbours and protects the existing landscape from damage.
- They can be used to repair existing foundations or for building entirely new ones.
- The equipment used to install helical piles is often smaller and less expensive than other piling techniques.
- They can be installed at any time of year and removed easily and quickly. For example, during the 2012 Olympics, approximately 20,000 seats were installed and uninstalled using helical screw piles. They were then able to be recycled, which would not be possible for concrete foundations.
Helical piles are installed for a variety of new foundations, as well as for a large number of remedial applications such as underpinning or structural slab support.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Corruption in the construction industry.
What will it take to stop it ?
To celebrate world bee day 2022 !
Just one month until the changes to part L come into effect.
Not forgetting part F and the new part overheating part O.
Heat Pump demand rises by one quarter.
As energy prices jump up in cost.
With people in the UK from Ukraine.
Industry leader Steve Murray takes on role.
An abundant and versatile building material.
How overheating complicates ending gas in the UK.
600,000 heat pump installations targeted per year by 2028.
Cost planning, control and related articles on DB.
Helping prevent those unwanted outcomes.
ICE debate Public transport - post pandemic.
How has transport changed due to Covid-19 ?
Cross-ventilation in buildings. Do you have it ?
Will you need it ? after June 15 and the new Part O ?
Share your knowledge with the industry.
Create an account and write the first of many articles.
The green jobs delivery group.
CIAT commentary after the first meeting.
Liverpool's world heritage site status
Who is to blame?
Research recommends focussing on portfolio success rather than project success.
ICE and BSI launch revised PAS 128 standard.
The revised standard for mapping underground utilities.
Launching the UK net zero carbon buildings standard.
Cross-industry steering group seeks support in delivery.