Project Summary:
Modified helical (i.e. screw) piles are lightweight deep foundation elements that are screwed into the ground and efficiently generate geotechnical compressive and uplift resistance by mobilizing the shear strength of soil adjacent to helical plates that are welded to an extendable shaft. The addition of a novel collar vane increases the lateral and torsional resistance of this deep foundation element. Helical piles (HPs) are quick and simple to install, utilizing nonspecialized equipment that is ubiquitous in the United States construction industry, eliminating the need for a specialty contractor. Relative to conventional deep foundation alternatives, HP installation is relatively non-intrusive, less cumbersome, and appreciably less expensive. Lightweight transportation structures are often supported on costly conventional foundation systems that have only been advanced incrementally for decades. Savings that could arise from efficient design of these lightweight facilities may be applied elsewhere as available funding for transportation infrastructure continues to diminish. Moreover, these benefits may not be isolated to new lightweight transportation infrastructure, and benefits from this research may extend to other applications, including retrofits and upgrades to increase the capacity and extend the life of existing foundations required to support new or augmented structures.
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Aaron Gallant (UMaine)
Institution:
University of Rhode Island
University of Maine
Co-PIs:
Dr. Aaron Bradshaw (URI)
Dr. Keith Berube (UMaine)
Project Type:
Competitive-Funded Research
Start Date:
09/2020
Project Cost:
$305,980
Project Status:
In Progress
End Date:
12/2022
Agency ID:
69A3551847101
Sponsors:
University Transportation Centers Program
Helix Mooring Systems
Hubbell
University of Maine
Implementation of Research Outcomes:
This project is in its initial research phase. Implementation of Research outcomes will be reported upon completion of initial research.
Impacts and Benefits of Implementation:
This project is in its initial research phase. Impacts and benefits of the research will be reported after the implementation phase.
Related Links:
Coming Soon
Downloadable Documents
Printable Project Information Sheet
March 2021 Quarterly Progress Report
June 2021 Quarterly Progress Report
September 2021 Quarterly Progress Report
December 2021 Quarterly Progress Report