The attached excerpt from the 2013 California Building Code regarding pre construction load testing of helical pile systems applies to ALL projects in which helical piles/anchors are installed in California. The requirement for field load testing noted applies to ALL projects, both remedial foundation repair or new construction., whether they be residential, commercial or industrial. This code section is often mis-interpreted by installation contractors, some assume that the “correlation of installation torque to capacity” is a stand alone method, it is not. The attached code section actually requires that engineers verify the pile capacity by checking ALL of the 6 methods noted, it is not the contractors option to chose. As many engineers are not yet familiar with the design of helical pile systems, we suggest that you provide them with a copy of the attached code section for their review.
The use of helical pile foundation and tieback systems in California is rapidly becoming the deep foundation choice due to these systems obvious advantages over conventional systems. Because of this rapid growth in our industry, many helical contractors have been installing helical systems utilizing “installation torque” only as a method of verifying the engineers required capacity. However, the current California Building Code absolutely requires that field load tests be performed in order to comply. This type of test is the only method of verifying that the contractor has installed the helical pile system to the correct load requirements as outlined by your project engineer.
Costs to underpin a structure is an expense that is hard to bare for most people. Protect your investment by ensuring that your chosen underpinning contractor is installing your system in full compliance with the California Building Code.
Advanced Support Technology, Inc. is a pioneer in the helical field, supplying helical products, installation tools and test equipment to the industry for the past 25+ years. Do not gamble with your investment , contact us to obtain contractor referrals who have been properly trained to install your system while complying with all current code requirements.
Kenneth B. Drake
Advanced Support Technology, Inc.
4225 Valley Fair St, Suite 106
Simi Valley, Ca 93063
The use of helical pile foundation and tieback systems in California is rapidly becoming the deep foundation choice due to these systems obvious advantages over conventional systems. Because of this rapid growth in our industry, many helical contractors have been installing helical systems utilizing “installation torque” only as a method of verifying the engineers required capacity. However, the current California Building Code absolutely requires that field load tests be performed in order to comply. This type of test is the only method of verifying that the contractor has installed the helical pile system to the correct load requirements as outlined by your project engineer.
Costs to underpin a structure is an expense that is hard to bare for most people. Protect your investment by ensuring that your chosen underpinning contractor is installing your system in full compliance with the California Building Code.
Advanced Support Technology, Inc. is a pioneer in the helical field, supplying helical products, installation tools and test equipment to the industry for the past 25+ years. Do not gamble with your investment , contact us to obtain contractor referrals who have been properly trained to install your system while complying with all current code requirements.
Kenneth B. Drake
Advanced Support Technology, Inc.
4225 Valley Fair St, Suite 106
Simi Valley, Ca 93063
| helical_pile_load_capacity_verifcation.pdf |
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