News & Events
First Osterberg Cell Load Test Performed on a Helical Pile - Piling Industry Canada
HELICAL PILE LOAD TESTS MADE SIMPLE
First Osterberg Cell load test performed on a helical pile
By Denton A. Kort, P.E., of LOADTEST, Inc.
Tom Bradka, M.Eng., P.Eng., and Alvin Pyke P.Eng. of Helical Pier Systems
As industry experts know, full-scale static load testing is a key element in confirming design parameters, minimizing risk and optimizing deep foundations. And Osterberg cell (O-cell®) bi-directional load testing has become the premier method for carrying out those tests. This risk-mitigation methodology has now been extended into a new arena. Late in 2009, Helical Pier Systems Ltd. (HPS) and LOADTEST Inc. (LTI) performed the world's first O-cell load test on a helical pile. This application of O-cell technology to helical piles reduces uncertainty and improves confidence in these foundations for a fraction of the cost and time required by conventional testing methods.
Helical Piles Defined
Helical piles, also known as screw piles, consist of one or more circular helical plates welded to either a steel cylindrical pipe or square steel shaft (Figures 1 and 2). The piles are advanced into the ground using a hydraulic torque motor, often mounted to a loader or other type of mobile construction machinery. Helical piles can be installed quickly and with minimal impact to the environment in any climate. The operation results in low installation noise, no vibrations, and no cuttings to excavate or remove. In addition to being simple to install, ...
read more
HPS Loads Up on Helical Pile Testing
Helical Pier Systems Ltd. (HPS), is proud to report that it recently completed the world’s first Osterberg cell (O-cell) load test of a Helical Pile. The test was completed in a mere 4 hours by a team of engineers assembled by HPS ...
read more
The Power To Deliver - Piling Canada
The Power to Deliver
by Tom Bradka M.Eng., P.Eng.
Helical Pier Systems (HPS) is North America’s largest engineering, manufacturer, and installer of helical piles since 1977. As a proven leader in the piling industry, HPS is ...
read more
High Capacity Helical Piling-Piling Industry Canada
The Evolution of Engineering Excellence
High Capacity Helical Piling
by Helical Pier Systems
As civil, structural and geotechnical engineers become more familiar with helical pile technology, they are specifying helical piles to ...
read more



