FAQ

A.B. Chance has been manufacturing helical anchoring products longer than any other helical pile manufacturer. Their products have the recognition and acceptance of all the major U.S. building codes.

Yes, particularly in situations where there is new construction in poorly-consolidated fill material. Ultimate settling of soils under and around footings, grade beams and floors creates air-spaces which can also harbor water – providing a haven for rust and corrosion. Stand-alone structures supported on helical piles, such as walkways, docks and machine bases can leave exposed shafts vulnerable to corrosion at the ground line. In these situations, hot-dip galvanized helical piles are a must.

Unlike hollow, pipe-based products, solid square-shaft piles can corrode only from the outside inward. With hot-dip galvanizing and the addition of a drawn-down grout column, any potential for corrosion is all but eliminated.

Not necessarily. Some are coated with clear lacquer, painted or powder-coated. Some are even sprayed with silver paint to appear as though they’re galvanized. Make sure you ask!

There is no exact science to designing underpinning or new construction support with helical piles. The ability to save money on piles by increasing the span between them depends upon the weight and integrity of the structure. Another factor is the engineer’s and/or contractor’s comfort level with the design and their willingness to offer a long term warranty. More support piles of comparable capacity within the same area translates to a greater margin of safety. If a contractor is proposing a project with significantly fewer support piles, he should have the engineering and warranty to back it up and there should be a significant bottom-line cost savings to you.

Be careful about awarding an underpinning contract to a contractor based upon their promise of a lifted, “leveled” structure. In most cases, it’s much safer and more realistic to lift slightly to stabilize a structure in place than to attempt major corrective jacking using steel piles. Over-zealous jacking can create peripheral and hidden damage, as well as lifting portions of the building beyond the boundaries of the underpinning piles, setting the stage for future movement in those newly-unsupported areas.