Building Resilience: How Do Helical Piers Perform During Earthquakes?

Of all the natural disasters we face here in the United States, earthquakes are some of the most costly in terms of lives lost and economic impact. As engineers search for better earthquake-resistant construction techniques, more are asking: "How do helical pier foundations perform during an earthquake?" In this extensive and fact-based post, uncover what the structural science has found out about helical piers and their ability to hold firm during soil liquefaction and seismic events.

The Definitive Guide to Helical Pier Foundations for Renewable Energy Projects

Helical pier foundations have quickly established themselves as an efficient, safe, and economical alternative to poured concrete or driven steel piles. Despite their popularity, many in the renewable energy construction industry are unfamiliar with helical pier technology. In this epic article, learn everything you need to know about using this revolutionary foundation solution for your renewable energy project.

Do Helical Pier Foundations Fail More Often Than Concrete or Driven Piles?

Here's one that some helical contractors hate admitting: helical pier foundations fail. Is there a hidden flaw in helical pier technology that's endangering projects across the United States? Or is there another explanation for premature helical pier foundation failure? It's time to cut through the myth and misconceptions about helical pier failures. Find out why helical foundations fail and what you can do to prevent it. 

The True Carbon Emissions of Helical Piers Vs. Concrete Foundations

The pressure is on for the construction industry to slash CO2 emissions. Helical piers could be your answer to dramatically reducing the carbon emissions of your project. See how helical piers and concrete compare in this in-depth assessment of the carbon impact of steel and concrete - and see how you could reduce emissions from your foundation by more than 325%.  

How Many Helical Piers Do You Need For Your Foundation?

The number of helical piers you need for your project can have a big impact on the bottom-line price. So, it makes sense that a lot of our customers want to know how many helical piers they'll need. Thing is, uncovering how many piers you'll need for your project is a science all on its own. In this article, John dives into helical pier design and shows you exactly what goes into your foundation.

How Much Does a Helical Pier Foundation Cost in the United States?

"How much will my foundation cost?" is one of the most common questions we get asked here at S&B Helical. The answer, however, isn't as cut-and-dry as you might think. Learn why in this article.

Everything You Need to Know About Helical Piers For Oil & Gas

Helical pier foundations have become the preference of countless engineers and companies in the oil & gas market. If you've ever wondered why helical piers have become so popular, what they're good for, and the reasons you might want to use them, this article has your answer.

What’s a Battered Helical Pier and How Does it Make Your Foundation Stronger?

A battered helical pier doesn't have anything to do with food, but it does have everything to do with making your foundation stronger. See how this powerful design technique can increase the stability and safety of your structure.  

9 Common Myths About Helical Pier Foundations

Myths and misinformation regarding helical piers have been confusing the conversation for decades. From doubting the performance of helical piers to plain-old misrepresentation of facts, here's 9 common helical pier myths and the truth behind them.

Don’t Hire a Helical Pier Contractor Until You’ve Read This

There's a type of helical pier contractor running around in the market doing shoddy work and costing millions in lost time and wasted money. I call them "cowboy contractors", because they're like renegades running around the wild west. Here's how to identify and avoid them. 

The Best Foundation for Your Industrial Project – Helical Piers, Concrete, Or H-Pile Beams?

You have a lot of options for high-capacity industrial foundations these days. What are the pro's and con's of the most commonly used foundation solutions, and which one is the right fit for your project?

How Do You Install a High-Capacity Helical Pier Foundation?

Ever wanted to know the steps that go into designing and installing a high-capacity helical pier foundation? Step behind-the-scenes and see how we plan and install large-scale helical pier foundations for industrial construction.

Helical Piers for Renewable Energy – A Perfect Match?

Renewable energy projects are turning to helical pier foundations instead of poured or driven piles. It's not just because helical piers are faster or more economical. See how and why helical pier foundations are used for renewable energy.

How Much Weight Can a Helical Pier Hold?

Helical pier load capacities are almost like a competition in the industry - every company is trying to out-do each other. Practically speaking, though, how much weight can a helical pier hold and why does it matter for your project? 

What's the Difference Between Helical Piers, Screw Piers, TorcSill Piles?

If you're new to the world of helical pier foundations, or even if you've been around awhile, you might be confused by the different names in the industry. Is a screw pier the same as a helical pier? And what's a TorcSill pile? Learn the difference here.

How Long Will Your Helical Pier Foundation Last in U.S. Soil?

When making an investment into a foundation, you want to know it'll stand the test of time. So a popular question here at S&B Helical is folks wondering what the service life of their helical pier foundation will be. The answer is... going to take a little explanation. Let's talk about how long your helical pier foundation could last.

Are Helical Piers An Environmentally-Friendly Foundation?

Environmental issues are at the top of everyone's mind right now, from politicians to pundits. The construction industry is expected to find eco-friendly alternatives. How does your foundation factor into the environmental impact of your project, and how do helical piers help?

Are Helical Piers the Best Foundation for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)?

Battery energy storage systems are critical pieces of infrastructure in renewable energy systems and for other industrial purposes. Thing is, these units are heavy and difficult to support. Could helical piers be the perfect foundation alternative to driven h-beam piles?