Helical


FASTER | CLEANER | EASIER

About

 

Our Expertise with Helical Anchors

At Paragon Bridge Works, we bring over two decades of experience in providing innovative solutions for industrial, commercial, and public works projects. As a factory trained installer for HELI-PILE®, we specialize in engineering and installing high-capacity helical anchors tailored to meet the demands of infrastructure and foundation projects. Whether for bridge abutments or other structural applications, we deliver results with precision and efficiency.

This creator does a fantastic job of explaining why we need deep foundation systems and also compare various types of deep foundation systems. Paragon has no affiliation with this creator but we appreciate his video.

  • Helical anchors, or screw piles, are steel shafts with helically-shaped plates designed to provide deep foundation support. Installed by rotating them into the ground, these anchors offer immediate load-bearing capacity, reducing the need for extensive excavation or concrete foundations.

    • Industrial Foundations: Supporting heavy machinery and infrastructure in oil and gas, manufacturing, and utility projects.

    • Commercial Structures: Stabilizing multi-story buildings, warehouses, and public facilities.

    • Public Works Projects: Reinforcing bridges, retaining walls, boardwalks, and utility installations.

    Their rapid installation, cost-effectiveness, and minimal environmental impact make them a smart choice for projects requiring long-term reliability.

  • At Paragon Bridge Works, we combine our technical expertise with a collaborative approach to ensure each project’s success. Our team of skilled engineers and technicians is dedicated to understanding your unique needs and delivering solutions that exceed expectations. Whether reinforcing an existing structure or creating a new foundation, we provide the confidence and quality you need to build securely and efficiently.

    Contact us today to learn how Paragon Bridge Works can bring expertise, innovation, and reliability to your next project.

 

Helicals vs Caissons

Similarities and Differences

Both helical anchors and caissons serve as reliable foundation solutions, but they differ significantly in installation methods, applications, and versatility:

  • Both provide deep foundation support, transferring loads to stable subsurface layers.

  • Each solution is highly durable and capable of supporting heavy structures in industrial, commercial, and public works projects.

  • Both methods meet strict engineering standards for safety and stability.

  • Rapid Installation: Helical anchors are installed in hours or days, not weeks, thanks to their efficient design that requires no extensive excavation or concrete curing. This means faster project timelines and quicker results.

  • Lower Costs: With fewer materials, reduced labor, and minimal equipment needs, helical anchors offer a cost-efficient alternative to traditional caissons without sacrificing quality or strength.

    • Eco-Conscious Engineering: Helical anchors leave a minimal environmental footprint, avoiding deep excavation and heavy concrete work. This makes them an ideal choice for projects where sustainability is a priority.

  • Unmatched Accessibility Helical anchors excel in locations where traditional caisson equipment simply can’t operate. From water-laden areas to hard-to-reach sites, our helical anchors can be installed efficiently and effectively, overcoming the challenges that limit other foundation solutions. This versatility ensures that no matter the environment, we can deliver a stable and reliable foundation for your project.

This is not one of our jobs but this creator does a fantastic job of showing what a caisson site looks like. Paragon can design caissons but we do not install caissons ourselves as we would hire guys like this creator to actually build the caisson.

By understanding these differences, you can select the foundation solution best suited to your project's unique needs. At Paragon Bridge Works, we specialize in helping clients make informed decisions to achieve the strongest and most efficient outcomes. While we can engineer both helical anchors and caissons to meet your project’s specifications, our installation services are exclusively focused on helical anchors, ensuring precision and efficiency in every project.

Helical Anchors vs. Driven Piles

Similarities and Differences

Helical anchors and driven piles share several fundamental characteristics, making them both effective solutions for deep foundation support:

  • Load-Bearing Capability: Both methods are designed to transfer structural loads to stable, deeper soil layers or bedrock, ensuring a solid foundation for a variety of structures.

  • Wide Applicability: Helical anchors and driven piles are both used in industrial, commercial, and public works projects, handling demanding load requirements.

  • Durability: Both foundation types are engineered for long-term stability and reliability, even in challenging environments.

  • Compliance with Standards: Each method adheres to rigorous engineering and safety standards, meeting the requirements of projects with strict specifications.

  • Minimal Noise and Vibration: Helical anchors are installed with little to no noise or ground vibration, making them ideal for sensitive sites and locations near existing structures, unlike the often disruptive process of driving piles.

    • Faster Installation: Helical anchors are quick to install, requiring no pre-drilling or pile-driving equipment. This efficiency reduces overall project timelines and labor costs.

  • Adaptability to Challenging Environments: Unlike driven piles, helical anchors can be installed in hard-to-reach areas and water-laden sites, offering unmatched versatility for complex projects.

  • Environmentally Friendly: Helical anchors have a lower environmental impact, as they require less ground disturbance and no heavy equipment, making them a more sustainable foundation option for modern construction needs.

This is not one of our videos but this creator does a great job of explaining these types of piles.

By understanding these differences, you can select the foundation solution best suited to your project's unique needs. At Paragon Bridge Works, we specialize in helping clients make informed decisions to achieve the strongest and most efficient outcomes. While we can engineer both helical anchors and driven piles to meet your project’s specifications, our installation services are exclusively focused on helical anchors, ensuring precision and efficiency in every project.



Helical Anchors vs. Cast-In-Place or PreCast Spread Footers

Similarities and Differences

Helical anchor foundations and concrete spread footer foundations share several similarities that make them both effective choices for supporting structures:

  • Load Distribution: Both systems transfer loads from a structure to stable subsurface layers, ensuring safety and stability.

  • Versatility: Each can be tailored to accommodate various load capacities, making them suitable for industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects.

  • Longevity: Both provide durable solutions designed to withstand environmental conditions and the test of time.

  • Compliance: Helical anchors and spread footers adhere to strict engineering standards, ensuring reliability and safety.

  • No Need for Extensive Excavation: Helical anchors can be installed without the large-scale digging required for spread footers, saving time and reducing site disruption.

  • Faster Installation: Helical anchors eliminate the need for concrete curing, enabling projects to move forward immediately after installation.

  • Adaptability to Difficult Sites: Unlike spread footers, helical anchors can be installed in waterlogged areas, soft soils, or hard-to-reach locations with ease.

  • Lower Environmental Impact: With minimal ground disturbance and no need for heavy concrete pours, helical anchors offer a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to spread footers.

Proven Reliability: A History of Success with Helical Anchors

Helical anchors have been a cornerstone of foundation engineering for decades, with their adoption skyrocketing over the past 20 years in the United States. From stabilizing bridges and highways to supporting massive industrial facilities and wind farms, these marvels of engineering have proven their worth time and again. Helical anchors have been trusted in projects like the foundation reinforcements for the Alaskan Pipeline, stabilizing cell towers across the Midwest, and even bolstering infrastructure for renewable energy giants. Their unmatched versatility, speed of installation, and ability to perform in the harshest environments make them the go-to solution for engineers and builders tackling the most ambitious projects. When you choose helical anchors, you're standing on a foundation of innovation, trust, and proven excellence.