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Helical Pier Foundations for Transmission & Distribution Infrastructure

Helical foundations have been a go-to for the electric utilities industry for decades in America. Their efficient, economical, and durable support, makes them a favorite solution among contractors and engineers alike for everything from substation equipment to high-voltage transmission towers.

    Capable of supporting significant compressive, tensile, and lateral loads in harsh conditions

    Minimal installation equipment makes remote projects far easier than with other solutions

    Delivers better performance than concrete while using far less raw materials

    A long and successful history of supporting large-scale power infrastructure projects in America

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Where Are Helical Foundations Used In Power Transmission & Distribution?

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Transmission Towers

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Dead-End Frames

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Transformers

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Circuit Breakers

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Voltage Regulators

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Generators

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Switchgear

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Control Houses

Why Choose a Helical Foundation for Your Transmission & Distribution Project?

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Quick and efficient installation keeps your project on-track and within budget

Requires no excavation to install, eliminates damaging vibrations or ground disruption

Superior defense against frost-induced heaving, shifting, or movement, in expansive soils

Enduring support and a long service life that can last over 100 years when properly installed

Readily adapts to any transmission and distribution infrastructure, from towers to substations

Installation is far less prone to weather delays, keeping your project on-track through poor conditions

Offers more strength than concrete with a fraction of the raw material, an eco-friendly solution

Decades of history supporting power utility infrastructure in the United States

A Veteran Team Supporting America's Infrastructure

From our very inception, S&B Helical has been dedicated to supporting all types of energy infrastructure in America. From our very first meeting to the final touches on the last helical pier, we're here to ensure you have a phenomenal foundation experience.

Collage of photos of founders of S&B John Lisle, Clayton Carmack and Chris Carmack
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FAQ's About Helical Piers for Transmission & Distribution

  • What are the max load capacities for helical pier foundations in T&D projects?

    Our helical pier foundations are engineered to handle substantial loads, typically ranging from 50 to 500+ kips depending on your soil conditions and pier configuration. 
    We conduct thorough site-specific analyses to determine the best design to suit your project's unique requirements. Every foundation we design and install will be able to meet or exceed the compressive, tensile, and lateral load capacities for your energy infrastructure.

  • How do helical pier foundations perform in challenging soils, such as loose or saturated conditions?

    Helical pier foundations deliver exceptional performance in a wide range of soil conditions - which includes tough environments like loose or saturated soils. 
    This is thanks to their unique design which allows them to bypass weak upper soil layers and anchor into deeper, more stable strata. It makes them ideal for areas where traditional foundations might struggle, especially remote locations. 
    Our team has extensive experience in assessing harsh soil conditions and engineering a helical pier solution that will ensure top performance and enduring stability.

  • Can you install helical piers in limited access areas, like existing substations or urban environments?

    Absolutely! In fact one of the chief advantages of helical pier foundations is their versatility of installation in tight or tricky locations. 
    Our equipment can access narrow spaces and work in confined areas that other foundation solutions would find impractical or even impossible. It's why helical piers are a common choice for upgrades to existing substations, urban T&D projects, or any site with access limitations.

  • What's the typical install timeline for helical foundations compared to traditional concrete options?

    Helical pier foundations offer significantly faster installation compared to traditional concrete foundations, reducing timelines up to 90% and beyond. 
    While concrete foundations can take weeks to excavate, pour, and cure, helical piers can often be installed in a matter of days (or even less). This rapid installation means reduced project timelines, lower labor costs, and happier project owners. 
    Our efficient team is highly-trained and dedicated to ensuring your project schedule stays on-track, saving time and resources.

  • How do helical pier foundations resist corrosion, and what's their expected lifespan?

    Our helical pier foundations are designed with longevity in mind. Depending on your soil conditions, we can either use galvanized piers or increase wall thickness for additional corrosion protection. The expected lifespan of a properly installed and maintained helical pier foundation can easily exceed 75 years and far beyond, even in harsh and challenging conditions. 
    If needed, we can help you conduct a thorough assessment of the soil to ensure the most appropriate materials and protection is used to guarantee long-term performance and reliability.

  • Are there limitations when using helical pier foundations for tall structures like transmission towers?

    While helical pier foundations are highly versatile, they do require careful engineering and design when being used for tall structures like transmission towers. Factors such as lateral loads, overturning moments, and soil conditions, all play a key role in determining the right design for your helical foundation.
    That's why you should work with a team that has the experience to design a helical pier solution that will account for these factors and ensure long-term performance. We work closely with your project team to address any specific structural requirements, providing tailored solutions that will meet or exceed industry standards.

Contact The S&B Helical Team

Need a foundation estimate for your project? Looking for helical foundation design and engineering? Have a question about helical piers? We're here to help, get in touch.

Office Hours

Monday - Friday9 AM - 5 PM

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