Staying up-to-date on the latest building and design techniques is essential as a professional in the construction industry. Using helical piers as an alternative to traditional concrete footings is one such innovation. Keep reading to explore why helical piers are better than concrete footings for various aspects of construction.
What Are Helical Piers?
Helical piers, also known as helical piles or screw piles, are deep foundation elements made of steel. They have a helical-shaped plate that workers screw into the ground, providing strong support for a wide range of construction projects. They are increasingly popular for replacing concrete footings thanks to their unique advantages.
What Are Concrete Footings?
Concrete footings are a traditional method of securing a foundation. Professionals can form them by digging a trench in the ground, pouring concrete into the trench, and reinforcing it with rebar. The footing supports the building’s foundation, distributing the structure’s weight evenly across the soil.
Advantages of Helical Piers Over Concrete Footings
Now that you know a bit more about the differences between helical piers and concrete footings, here are some of the benefits of helical piers for your various construction applications.
Easy Installation
The easy and fast installation process is one significant advantage of helical piers over concrete footings. Helical pier installations require minimal excavation and small, portable equipment. These requirements save time and minimize disruptions to the surrounding environment. Concrete footings require extensive excavation, increasing project time in contrast.
Weather Resistance
Their resistance to environmental factors like frost heave is another reason helical piers are superior to concrete footings. Helical pier installers can place these materials deeper into the ground, making them more resistant to ground movement caused by freezing and thawing. Concrete footings, however, are more susceptible to frost heave and perform poorly in areas with significant soil movement.
Cost-Effectiveness
Helical piers are often a more cost-effective solution than concrete footings, especially in cases requiring deep foundations or high load-bearing capacities. The efficient helical pier installation process generally results in lower equipment and labor costs compared to concrete footings.
Durability and Strength
Helical piers, made of steel, offer superior durability and strength compared to concrete. They are suitable for various soil types and have proven reliability in compression and tension load situations. Concrete footings can crack or bow under challenging conditions, leading to expensive repairs and maintenance.
Versatility
Helical piers have various applications, from residential to commercial and industrial projects. Workers can install them easily in limited access areas or tight spaces, making them a practical solution for various construction challenges.
Understanding why helical piers are better than concrete footings can help professionals make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the right foundation method for a construction project. With their easy installation, weather resistance, cost-effectiveness, durability, and more, helical piers are a smart choice for modern construction projects. Trust Helical Pier Distributions if you’re looking for helical pier installers for your construction applications.
