Engineering Deep Foundations: Helical Piers in High Load/Challenging Soil Conditions

Helical pier engineering plays a critical role in deep foundation systems, especially in projects where high structural loads and difficult soil profiles create unique challenges. In these demanding scenarios, engineers must rely on precision, proven methods, and reliable products to ensure performance and longevity. For commercial and industrial builds—where load-bearing requirements often exceed typical thresholds—helical piers offer a flexible, efficient alternative to driven piles or drilled shafts.

At Titan Products, our helical systems are designed with these challenges in mind, providing high-strength, code-compliant solutions trusted by contractors and engineers alike.

When Are Helical Piers the Right Choice?

Helical piers are ideal for load-intensive foundations built on soils with poor bearing capacity or when access for large equipment is limited. Their screw-like design allows them to be “installed” rather than driven or poured, making them well-suited for:

• Expansive or compressible soils
• Remote or confined job sites
• Sensitive infrastructure that requires minimal vibration during installation
• Project sites with contaminated soils

They’re frequently used for stabilizing new construction, underpinning existing foundations, and supporting elevated structures such as boardwalks or pipeline supports.

The Role of Soil Testing and Geotechnical Data

Before specifying a helical pier system, accurate soil profiling is essential. Geotechnical testing—including standard penetration tests (SPT), cone penetration testing (CPT), and laboratory analysis—provides the data needed to determine:

• Soil type and layering
• Groundwater levels
• Shear strength
• Load-bearing capacity

This information directly informs helix blade spacing, shaft diameter, and embedment depth to ensure the system meets the project's axial and lateral load demands. At Titan Products, our engineering team works closely with design professionals to review geotech reports and help specify optimal helical configurations.

Torque Monitoring and Load Correlation

One of the most valuable advantages of helical pier engineering is the ability to verify load capacity in real-time through torque monitoring. As the pier is rotated into the soil, a calibrated torque motor tracks resistance. Higher torque generally correlates to higher load-bearing capacity, allowing installers to confirm adequate depth and capacity during installation.

Torque-to-capacity relationships—governed by empirical models like the Hoyt and Clemence equation—are key to ensuring safety margins are achieved.

Installation Equipment and Tolerances

Proper installation is critical to helical pier performance. Installers must use the correct hydraulic torque motors and rigs with adequate downforce to meet soil resistance.  

To maintain structural integrity and alignment, engineers and installers must also adhere to:

• Plumb tolerances (typically within 2 degrees of vertical)
• Minimum embedment depths (typically 5–7 times the diameter of the largest helix)
• Shaft spacing guidelines to avoid group effects

Titan’s certified installers are trained in these best practices and supported with job-specific guidance.

Brackets, Coatings, and Corrosion Protection

Choosing the right brackets and corrosion mitigation strategy is vital for long-term performance, especially in wet or aggressive soils. Titan Products offers:

• Heavy-duty steel brackets engineered for large axial and lateral loads
• Epoxy-coated or hot-dip galvanized options to combat corrosion
• Custom fabrication for complex foundation geometries

By addressing corrosion risk up front, engineers can confidently specify helical piers for structures expected to last 75+ years.

Partnering for Engineering Success

At Titan Products, our team of in-house engineers, manufacturing specialists, and certified installers collaborates with architects and structural engineers to make helical pier specification as seamless as possible. From submittal packages and CAD drawings to jobsite consultation, we’re committed to supporting your project at every step.  

Let’s Talk About Your Next Project

Need guidance on specifying helical piers for a commercial or heavy-load project? Contact Titan Products today for design assistance, product information, and lead time estimates. Our team is here to support you with expert insight and solutions that stand the test of time. We Don’t Settle. Why Should You?