Helical Pier Installation

Why this matters

A helical pier is the modern engineered solution for foundation settlement: a steel shaft with helical blades that's screwed deep into the soil until it reaches load-bearing stratum, then connected to the foundation to support the load and (often) lift the settled section back to original position. Helical piers compete directly with push piers (driven steel pipes) for the same applications; choosing between them is the engineering decision. A foundation contractor who masters helical pier installation can serve sites where push piers fail (high water table, hard clay, debris obstructions) and provides a system with documented load capacity (verifiable torque correlation). The training is specific and the equipment investment is significant (per the application), but the trade is high-margin and customer-loyal.

When helical piers are the right call

Helical piers fit:

• Soft or expansive soils (clay especially)
• Sites with high water table (where push piers might be unstable)
• Where soil obstructions might block push piers (rocks, debris)
• Where torque verification of capacity is needed
• Lighter loads (residential foundations typically)
• Where dynamic loading is a concern (some seismic considerations)

Push piers may be preferred:

• Hard clay where helical advance is slow
• Where the contractor's existing equipment is push pier-based
• Specific engineering preferences

Either method can work for most residential applications; the engineer's choice matters.

How helical piers work

A helical pier is:

1. Steel shaft (typically 2.875 inch or 3.5 inch OD)
2. Helical bearing plates (helical "flights") welded to the shaft
3. Coupling sleeves to extend the shaft
4. Bracket attached to the foundation

Installation:

1. Excavate near the foundation to expose
2. Position the first helical section near the foundation
3. Apply torque (typically hydraulic torque head) to screw the pier into the ground
4. Add extensions as the pier advances
5. Continue until target torque (load capacity) is reached
6. Attach the foundation bracket to the pier
7. Apply lifting force (if lifting the foundation back to position)
8. Lock in position

Torque correlates to load capacity: a helical pier with verified torque at installation has known load capacity. The relationship is typically tested and documented per manufacturer.

Equipment required

• Excavator (small; 5,000 to 10,000 lb typical for residential)
• Helical pier sections (per project)
• Helical pier head (hydraulic torque head; rated to project's torque)
• Hydraulic power pack (for the head)
• Hydraulic hose, fittings
• Foundation bracket (per pier; matches the pier shaft)
• Lifting jacks (hydraulic, multi-stage)
• Welder (for site-specific fabrication)
• Torque indicator / digital readout

Investment for equipment: a substantial typical for a full operation.

Procedure

Step 1: Engineering and survey

Before installation:

• Soil report or engineering review
• Calculate required pier spacing and load capacity
• Identify pier locations
• Mark utility lines (call before you dig)
• Verify the customer agrees to the scope

Step 2: Excavation

• Excavate pit at each pier location (typically 24 inches wide x 36 inches deep)
• Provides access to install the pier and bracket
• Be careful around utilities and the existing foundation

Step 3: Position the first pier section

• Place the lead helical section (typically 4 to 7 ft long)
• Position perpendicular to the ground
• Connect the hydraulic torque head

Step 4: Apply torque and advance

• Engage hydraulic power
• The torque head rotates the pier into the soil
• Advance is typically 1 to 2 ft per minute
• Add extensions as the pier advances

Step 5: Monitor torque

• Continuous torque monitoring during installation
• Verify torque builds as the pier reaches load-bearing soil
• Target torque per engineering (typically 5,000 to 10,000 ft-lb for residential)

Step 6: Install bracket

When the pier has reached target torque:

• Cut the pier to the appropriate length
• Install the foundation bracket
• Connect the bracket to the foundation

Step 7: Lift (if lifting the foundation)

For foundation lift:

• Position hydraulic lift jacks
• Apply controlled hydraulic pressure
• Lift the foundation slowly to target elevation
• Multiple piers lift simultaneously for stability
• Verify level with a laser or transit

Step 8: Lock in position

• Secure the bracket at the lifted position
• Backfill the excavation
• Restore landscaping

Step 9: Document

• Pier torque log
• Lift elevation log
• Pier locations
• Final installation depth
• Provide to customer for their records

Lifting vs supporting

Two distinct operations:

Supporting (stop further settlement)

• Pier installed
• Bracket connected to foundation at current elevation
• Pier prevents future settlement
• No lift performed
• Typical when settling is small and customer is comfortable with current condition

Lifting (restore to original elevation)

• Pier installed
• Hydraulic jacks lift the foundation back to original
• Pier locked in lifted position
• More expensive and complex
• Required when settling is significant and customer wants restoration

Customer expectations

Set expectations:

• "Installation is a 1 to 3 day project depending on pier count"
• "Some yard / landscape disruption is unavoidable"
• "We document the torque achieved at each pier; this proves capacity"
• "After installation, the foundation should not settle further at the supported points"
• "Other foundation areas may need additional piers later"

Common helical pier issues

• Pier reaches refusal too shallow: hard rock or obstruction; may need to relocate or different method
• Torque doesn't build at expected depth: still in soft soil; may need to advance further
• Pier wanders off vertical during installation: realign or restart
• Foundation cracks during lift: lifting too fast or too far; reduce pressure
• Bracket connection inadequate: redesign required
• Soil heave around pier: lateral movement during installation

Warranties

Most helical pier manufacturers offer:

• 25-year manufacturer warranty on the steel (corrosion)
• Lifetime warranty on the pier system (workmanship)
• Transferable to subsequent home owners

The installer's warranty is typically:

• 1 to 25 years on workmanship
• Lifetime on the installation (depending on company)

Manufacturer / brand

Major helical pier brands:

• Magnum Piering
• Earth Contact Products (ECP)
• Foundation Supportworks
• AB Chance
• Ram Jack

Each has specific design specifications and installation requirements. Most installers are certified by one or two brands.

Certifications

For installers:

References

• ICC AC358 (Helical Foundations and Devices).
• IBC Section 1810 (Deep Foundations).
• ASCE 7 (Loads on Structures).
• Manufacturer literature: Magnum Piering, ECP, Foundation Supportworks, Ram Jack, AB Chance.
• Manuall internal: Universal Building Codes Hierarchy.