Helical Pulldown Micropile
Higher load capacities than ever now are achievable by the patented HELICAL PULLDOWN™ Micropile technology. It continues to overcome obstacles to traditional foundation methods for a growing number of applications.
What is a Helical Pulldown™ Micropile?
The HELICAL PULLDOWN Micropile is a system for constructing a grout column around the shaft of a standard HELICAL PIER® Foundation Systems pile. To begin the process, a screw anchor is placed into the soil by applying torque to the shaft. The helical shape of the bearing plates creates a tremendous pulling force that keeps the anchor advancing downward into the soil.
After the lead section with the helical plates penetrates the soil, a Lead Displacement Plate and Extension are bolted onto the shaft. Resuming torque on the assembled shaft advances the helical plates and pulls the displacement plate downward, forcing soil outward to create a cylindrical void around the shaft. From a reservoir at the surface, a flowable grout immediately fills this void, surrounding and encapsulating the shaft.
Additional extensions and displacement plates are added until the helical bearing plates reach competent load-bearing soil. This displacement pile system does not require removing spoils from the site.
Benefits of this system include:
- Resistance to buckling in weak surface soils.
- Stiffer pile (deflects less at a particular load).
- Additional corrosion protection in aggressive soils.
The HELICAL PULLDOWN Micropile also develops additional capacity by combining both end-bearing on the helical plates and skin friction along the rough surface of the grout column. The result is a higher capacity pile system.
The HELICAL PULLDOWN Micropile could be just the Deep Foundation Solution you’re looking for. Put it to work on your next project.
