Experimental and Numerical Study for Analyzing Applicability of Helical Piles

Abstract

A helical pile is a foundation type that can be constructed to improve the bearing capacity and pullout resistance using a spiral plate affixed to the central shaft of the pile. In the past, piles were applied in formulaic shapes, but based on recent developments of threaded joints, the specifications of a helical pile can be applied depending on the site conditions. In this study, model tests and numerical modeling were performed to analyze the bearing capacity and pullout resistance based on the number, size, and position of the helix, which were the main factors of the helical pile. The bearing capacity and pullout resistance improved as the number and diameter of the helix increased. When the helix was installed near the bottom of the pile, the helical pile showed an excellent performance. In addition, by analyzing the ratio of the increase in the bearing capacity according to the area ratio of the helix as a part of the economic analysis, it is essential to consider the installation position of the helix. Based on the analysis results, it was shown that the helical pile could be improved.