Experimental Analysis of Helical Pile Installation Methods and Their Effects on Soil-Pile Interaction
Volume Title: ICASGE2025
Paper ID : 1054-ICASGE-FULL
Authors
1Construction Engineering and Management Department, Pharos University, Canal El Mahmoudia Street, beside Green Plaza Complex, Postal Code 21311, Alexandria, Egypt.
2Geotechnical Engineering (GEO)
Abstract
Helical piles have been widely used as a foundation system for bearing loads due to their ease of installation. Conducting experimental tests on helical piles, particularly in group configuration presents significant challenges due to the precise control required over installation process. Furthermore, the installation process can be time-consuming, especially to ensure consistent placement and alignment in groups. An experimental investigation on the installation techniques and performance of single helical piles in sandy soil with a relative density of 40%, including vertical compression loading. Helical piles with a single helix placed at different embedment length varied along the pile length were used. Two installation methods were evaluated, pre-placement with subsequent sand compaction around the piles or drilled using a boring machine. Vertical compression tests were conducted to evaluate the axial capacity as the two installation methods. The study highlights the significant impact of installation methods on the performance of helical piles in sandy soils. In most experiments, the load-displacement curves for vertical loading show improved performance when using the compaction method compared to the drilling method. This suggests that compaction leads to better load-bearing characteristics and reduced displacement, indicating enhanced stability and capacity of the helical piles. This study offers valuable insights for researchers working experimentally with helical piles, providing crucial guidance on the installation process based on empirical findings.
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