Our Guide to Helical Piles

Since this depends on the soil type, it's at the time of installation that the weight that each helical pile can support will be determined. It's important to note that the more compact the soil, the greater the bearing capacity of the screw pile. This capacity (also known as compression or tension) is confirmed at the time of installation, in accordance with the quality standards and requirements met by all GoliathTech helical piles. In some cases, a certificate may be issued by an engineer to validate the compliance of the upcoming work.

Contrary to popular belief, GoliathTech helical piles are a cost-effective long-term solution. However, there are a number of factors to consider when estimating the cost, such as the structure to be supported, soil type, length of screw pile required, and the accessibility of the site. Please contact a GoliathTech certified installer to learn more.

Depending on industry standards and the type of structure to be supported, a distance of 8 to 10 feet is generally recommended between each screw pile.

In most cases, we can shift the rock slightly to install the helical pile. If the GoliathTech certified installer is unable to move the rock due to its size, then the pile can be installed in another location, providing the project allows it. If the location of the structure cannot be changed, the installer will typically use a mini excavator adapted to this type of scenario. This will allow the GoliathTech expert to install the screw pile leaving as small of a footprint as possible.

Absolutely! Although, helical piles must be installed in close proximity to the structure being supported. To install helical piles in the middle of an existing structure, access must be provided. For example, it is recommended to remove a few boards from a wooden deck to install helical piles in an otherwise inaccessible area.

Not at all. The double protection of our screw piles prevents ground movement due to freezing and thawing at all levels: from the inside and from the outside. Polyurethane insulation prevents ice from forming inside the piles and keeps them above freezing. In addition, the piles are installed below the frost line and the helix at the end of the pile serves as an anchor that prevents the pile from rising to the surface during periods of intense cold.

Since our helical piles are comprised of a smooth metal tube and are installed below the frost line, a coating is unnecessary. Also, a polyurethane sleeve would tend to rise to the surface due to the freeze/thaw cycle, without necessarily returning to its original position over time. This can lead to support problems and could damage your structure in the long term.

No. GoliathTech helical piles are hot-dipped galvanized in accordance with ASTM A123M.

No! To avoid any short- or long-term problems and to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones, GoliathTech helical piles must be installed by certified experts who have the specialized equipment required for helical pile installation. Our team of installers is fully trained and qualified to advise you and to complete your project.

Yes, it is. Using specialized, light and compact equipment, your GoliathTech certified installer will make a hole for each of the helical piles required for the carport installation. After that, all you have to do is touch up your asphalt.

Compared to traditional concrete post foundation, helical piles offer many advantages, including a quick and easy installation, requiring no pouring or curing time. In addition, they are a much more economical option over the long term. Helical piles allow you to reach the ground depth that will ensure optimal stability, whereas concrete foundations don't offer this option. In addition, helical piles are equipped with an exclusive anchoring system and are highly resistant to the elements. They also allow for precise engineering and meet the highest industry standards.

Yes, certain checks are required. For example, it's important to know if there are any water lines, electrical cables, sewer lines, gas lines or other utilities buried under your property where you want to have the helical piles installed.

We are so confident in the quality of our helical piles that we offer a Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Regardless of the type of terrain, GoliathTech certified installers are equipped to install helical piles in most cases.

Contact the GoliathTech installer nearest you to discuss your project. Depending on your site constraints, they will be able to advise you and determine if specialized equipment is required to complete your project.

They sure have! GoliathTech helical piles meet the most stringent industry standards and hold many certifications worldwide. Notably, GoliathTech helical piles have been tested by the CCMC and ICC-ES, organizations responsible for the evaluation and acceptance of all construction products used in Canada and the US. For your safety and peace of mind, it is essential to use helical piles that have been subjected to the most stringent tests. This is a requirement of most municipalities and insurers.

Generally speaking, you could expect a helical pile to last 75 years or more under normal circumstances! This number can vary depending on various soil characteristics, such as pH, moisture content and the presence or absence of chlorides. Engineers are required by the code to calculate to a minimum life expectancy of 50 years, but the piles typically end up lasting much longer than that.

The number of screw piles required varies for each project. GoliathTech's certified installers will come to your home to assess your needs and advise you accordingly.

Depending on where you are located, the GoliathTech helical piles will be engineered according to the appropriate building codes in place. GoliathTech helical piles have undergone extensive engineering testing and holds a report with the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) under which products are evaluated and approved under the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and are also certified by the International Code Council (ICC-ES) under which products are evaluated and approved under the International Building Code (IBC) as well as the International Residential Code (IRC). GoliathTech helical piles are fully compliant.

Yes, they can be reused.

GoliathTech helical piles can be installed as deep as is needed to provide unshakeable strength. In fact, we can anchor the pile as deep as 80 feet or more.

In soft or marshy soil, we will drive a pile much deeper than in dense soil, which already provides all the support needed.

The piles are installed with a mini excavator. They are driven into the ground much like a wood screw. The screw pile rotates in the ground until it is well anchored. Our certified installers have state-of-the-art equipment to calculate the torque, or the strength achieved. The higher the strength of the screw pile, the better anchored it is and the greater the load it can support.

Helical piles are the best option for the following reasons:

• Rapid installation

• Minimal impact to the landscape

• No excavation

• Start building immediately after installation

• Perfectly level structure

• Ideal for restricted spaces

• Year-round installation

• Removable and reusable

• Low environmental footprint

• Suitable in all soil conditions

• No concrete required

• Lifetime product warranty

Our certified installers have equipment that is light, compact and suitable for the most restricted and hard-to-reach areas.

A high water table changes the density of the soil and makes it softer. When GoliathTech certified installers install a pile and the water table is above the helix, we assume there is soft soil that could affect the pile laterally. Since we leave no stone unturned, we take this important fact into account in our engineering calculations.

There are two ways to calculate the torque reached. First, a PSI gauge is connected to the hydraulic motor used to drive the helical pile. The gauge measures the pressure used to rotate the pile into the ground, and this pressure is then converted to torque using mathematical calculations. The second way to do the calculation is to use a slightly more advanced technology that measures the torque applied directly to the motor. In this case, there is no need for the PSI gauge since the tool is installed directly on the engine and the readings are transmitted electronically to a monitor.

You can start your project immediately after the helical piles are installed. Unlike concrete, no drying time is required.

GoliathTech outperforms the competition with a high quality product featuring a galvanized steel finish, dual protection, solid anchoring system, and a strong and secure bolted head connection.

We offer our network of certified installers an engineering service specialized in helical piles. Simply send your plans to your GoliathTech Certified Installer and we will forward them to our engineers!

Compared to traditional concrete, helical piles offer many advantages, including quick and easy installation with no pouring time. In fact, they are a much more economical option in the long run. Helical piles allow you to reach the ground depth that will ensure optimal stability, whereas concrete foundations do not offer this option. Finally, helical piles feature a proprietary anchoring system and high weather resistance, as well as unwavering precision and the highest industry standards.

A screw pile has one or more helices. These are used to screw the pile into the ground at a designated torque.

A ground screw is a galvanized steel tube with a welded continuous thread. They are screwed into the ground manually, or with the help of an excavator or skid-steer.

A driven pile is deep foundation solution. It constitutes a round steel tube which is installed using heavy weight equipment by impact or vibration hammers.

A CFA (Continuous flight auger) pile are cast-in-place piles, using a hollow stem auger with continuous flights. Concrete or grout is poured through the stem. The reinforcement cage is then placed through the freshly poured concrete.

A push pier is made of steel and is installed through a steel support beneath the foundation. They are typically used to solve settlement problems for existing foundations. To allow installation, the soil around the foundation must first be removed. Finally, the pier sections are pushed through the support with hydraulic equipment until the bedrock or stable soil is reached.