A study on axial performance of helical piles in residual soils

Abstract

Helical piles offer an economical alternative to traditional foundation types such as pad footings, rafts or piles while providing required support to the structure. This paper presents an analysis on the axial performance of helical piles through in-situ static load tests, theoretical studies, numerical modelling, and empirical relationships. Based on results, suitability of using empirical factors given in literature to determine axial pile capacities or to find installation torque needed in achieving design loads is checked. In this study, 19 static load test results were compared against results from other capacity evaluation methods and suitable values were suggested for empirical factors under different subsoil conditions if values given in literature does not provide accurate estimations for axial pile capacities.