Revisiting Our Hospital Case Study
Last summer, we detailed a recent case study in which we helped supply an underpinning system to prevent flooding at a hospital. Read more about the issues the hospital faced and where the project stands now in this case study update.
The Opportunity
A hospital hired a contractor to install pump drain stations to prevent flooding on their campus. The hospital frequently dealt with flooding issues in their basement before and after storms and needed to prevent structural damage. Upon full assessment of the campus, the contractor determined that a helical pile underpinning system would alleviate flooding issues. However, the contractor lacked experience with underpinning systems and many areas had limited access, making installation difficult. They reached out to Intech because we have an extensive inventory of helical piles and provide installation assistance.
The Solution
Our team worked with the Engineer of Record and customized a helical underpinning system specifically for the hospital. We also determined that an uplift restraint bracket was needed to support the pump stations. The contractor used our helical drive equipment to install the custom-built underpinning system in a trench box 15 feet below. One of our team members stayed onsite for four days to verify that everything exceeded the contractor’s expectations.
The Results
Our equipment and knowledge of underpinning systems allowed the contractor to complete the project on time. Because of our innovative solution, the hospital no longer has to worry about flooding problems on their campus.
Was the Partner Satisfied?
Our partner was very satisfied with our contributions; our training helped them gain valuable experience with helical pier underpinning systems.
Helical Underpinning Systems FAQ
What Are Helical Underpinning Systems?
Helical pier underpinning systems are deep foundation solutions that transfer weight from a structure’s foundation to more suitable soils. This provides additional structural support and guards against future foundation damage.
What Are the Components of Helical Piers?
Helical piers have a simple design and are made of three components:
Bearing Plates
Steel bearing plates are formed into true helicals that minimize soil disruptions during installation. These plates transfer the load to the sturdier soil-bearing stratum deep beneath the surface. When installing helical piers, five helix diameters vertically below the surface is considered deep. This allows the helical plate to develop the total capacity of the plate-to-soil interaction.
Central Shaft
The central steel shaft transmits torque to the helical plates during installation; it must have the structural capacity to exceed the applied stresses from the structure.
Termination
The termination evenly distributes the structure’s load by connecting the structure to the top of the helical piers.
What Are the Applications of Helical Piers?
Helical piers are an effective alternative to drilled shafts and driven piles. They’re commonly used for residential and commercial construction projects, including foundations, telecommunication and transmission towers, and tie-downs. Recently, helical piers have also become efficient solutions for walkways and boardwalks in environmentally sensitive locations.
What Are the Advantages of Helical Piers?
Helical piers are a popular deep foundation solution because they:
- Can be installed in limited-access areas
- Offer protection against wind and seismic forces
- Don’t require concrete
- Offer immediate loading upon installation
What Brand of Helical Piers Does Intech Use?
Intech uses CHANCE Helical Piers for underpinning solutions. We prefer these piers because they’re technically superior and are cost-effective alternatives to other solutions.
What Other CHANCE Products Does Intech Offer?
Intech offers a full line of CHANCE products, including:
Helical Anchors
Helical anchors extend bearing plates through soft surface soils into stable strata and are ideal for earth anchoring applications. They’re a popular solution because they have high production capabilities and are easily installed in limited-access sites.
Helical Piles
Helical piles are installed independent of the structure into stable bearing soils to attain the ideal load-bearing capacity. This is a cost-effective solution for stabilizing foundations or increasing load-bearing capacity.
Helical Pulldown Micropiles
Helical pulldown micropiles bring the advantages of pre-engineered helical piles to higher load applications. They work by pulling down a special flowable grout, creating a deep foundation with a friction-bearing central shaft and end-bearing helical plate. These micropiles can be installed in any weather condition and don’t require pre-drilling.
Drivecast™
Drivecast™ is a screw displacement pile that uses soil displacement techniques to drive the pile into the soil. The pile’s surface creates a void that allows the grout to be pulled from a gravity-fed reservoir; this produces a fully grouted, high-capacity pile.
Let Intech Help With Your Underpinning Projects
Intech Anchoring Systems has supplied commercial, residential, and industrial contractors with deep foundation solutions for over 20 years. When you partner with us, you receive a level of customer service and convenience that no other company matches. Our team offers industry-leading support to deliver a superior partner experience for our clients. The advantages of working with the Intech team include:
Engineering Support
We provide contractors with the most trusted deep foundation solutions and onsite support for our products. When working with us, you’re more than a customer—you’re a partner.
Cost Evaluation
Our team of trained and certified engineers helps you choose the best product to complete your project at a price that suits your budget. We know that each job is different, so we offer unique solutions for every project.
Product Delivery
We maintain a vast inventory of products ready for shipment, allowing us to meet the demands of our partners.
Equipment Training
We do more than sell and ship products. We provide engineering support and training to ensure effective quality assurance and project management.
Contact us today and see how our services provide a competitive edge for our partners.
