Acceptance Criteria For Helical Foundation Systems and Devices

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ICC EVALUATION SERVICE, INC.

Evaluate P Inform P Protect

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR


HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

AC358

Approved June 2007

Effective July 1, 2007

PREFACE
Evaluation reports issued by ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. (ICC-ES), are based upon performance features of the International family
of codes and other widely adopted code families, including the Uniform Codes, the BOCA National Codes, and the SBCCI Standard Codes.
Section 104.11 of the International Building Code® reads as follows:

The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any materials or to prohibit any design or method
of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative
material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is
satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for
the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance,
durability and safety.

Similar provisions are contained in the Uniform Codes, the National Codes, and the Standard Codes.

This acceptance criteria has been issued to provide all interested parties with guidelines for demonstrating compliance with performance
features of the applicable code(s) referenced in the acceptance criteria. The criteria was developed and adopted following public hearings
conducted by the ICC-ES Evaluation Committee, and is effective on the date shown above. All reports issued or reissued on or after the effective
date must comply with this criteria, while reports issued prior to this date may be in compliance with this criteria or with the previous edition. If the
criteria is an updated version from the previous edition, a solid vertical line (›) in the margin within the criteria indicates a technical change, addition,
or deletion from the previous edition. A deletion indicator (º) is provided in the margin where a paragraph has been deleted if the deletion involved
a technical change. This criteria may be further revised as the need dictates.

ICC-ES may consider alternate criteria, provided the report applicant submits valid data demonstrating that the alternate criteria are
at least equivalent to the criteria set forth in this document, and otherwise demonstrate compliance with the performance features of the codes.
Notwithstanding that a product, material, or type or method of construction meets the requirements of the criteria set forth in this document, or
that it can be demonstrated that valid alternate criteria are equivalent to the criteria in this document and otherwise demonstrate compliance with
the performance features of the codes, ICC-ES retains the right to refuse to issue or renew an evaluation report, if the product, material, or type
or method of construction is such that either unusual care with its installation or use must be exercised for satisfactory performance, or if
malfunctioning is apt to cause unreasonable property damage or personal injury or sickness relative to the benefits to be achieved by the use of
the product, material, or type or method of construction.

Copyright © 2007

Business/Regional Office P 5360 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, California 90601 P (562) 699-0543
www.icc-es.org Regional Office P 900 Montclair Road, Suite A, Birmingham, Alabama 35213 P (205) 599-9800
Regional Office P 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, Illinois 60478 P (708) 799-2305
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR
HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.3.8 ANSI/ASME Standard B18.2.1-1996, Square and
Hex Bolts and Screws, Inch Series, American Society of
1.1 Purpose: The purpose of this acceptance criteria is Mechanical Engineers.
to establish requirements for helical foundation systems and
helical foundation devices to be recognized in ICC 1.3.9 ANSI/AWS D1.1/D1.1M, Structural Welding
Evaluation Service, Inc. (ICC-ES), evaluation reports under Code—Steel (AWS D1.1/D1.1M), American Welding
the 2006 International Building Code® (IBC) and the 1997 Society.
Uniform Building Code™ (UBC). Bases for recognition are
IBC Section 104.11 and UBC Section 104.2.8. 1.3.10 ASTM A 123-02, Standard Specification for Zinc
(Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and Steel Products,
The reason for the development of this acceptance ASTM International.
criteria is to supplement general requirements for pile
foundations in the IBC and UBC to permit evaluation of 1.3.11 ASTM A 153-05, Standard Specification for Zinc
helical foundation systems and devices. Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware, ASTM
International.
1.2 Scope: This criteria provides methods to establish the
allowable load and deformation capacities of helical 1.3.12 ASTM B 633-07 Standard Specification for Electro
foundation systems and devices used to resist axial deposited Coatings of Zinc on Iron and Steel, ASTM
compression, axial tension or lateral loads. This criteria International.
applies to helical foundation systems and devices as defined 1.3.13 ASTM B 695-04 Standard Specification for
in Section 1.4 and includes provisions for determining soil Coatings of Zinc Mechanically Deposited on Iron and Steel,
embedment and soil capacity. ASTM International.
This criteria is limited to helical foundation systems and 1.3.14 ASTM C 31-98, Standard Practice for Making and
devices used under the following conditions: Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field, ASTM
1.2.1 Support of structures in IBC Seismic Design International.
Categories A, B, or C, or UBC Seismic Zones 0, 1 or 2, only. 1.3.15 ASTM C 39-03, Standard Test Method for
1.2.2 Exposure conditions to soil that are not indicative Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens,
of potential pile deterioration or corrosion situations as ASTM International.
defined by the following: (1) soil resistivity less than 1,000 1.3.16 ASTM D 1143-81(1994)e1, Standard Test Method
ohm-cm; (2) soil pH less than 5.5; (3) soils with high organic for Piles Under Static Axial Compressive Load, ASTM
content; (4) soil sulfate concentrations greater than 1,000 International.
ppm; (5) soils located in landfills, or (6) soil containing mine
waste. 1.3.17 ASTM D 1586-99, Standard Test Method for
Penetration Test and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils, ASTM
1.2.3 Helical products manufactured from carbon steel, International.
with optional zinc or powder coatings.
1.3.18 ASTM D 3689-90(1995), Standard Test Method for
1.3 Codes and Referenced Standards: Where Individual Piles under Static Axial Tensile Load, ASTM
standards are referenced in this criteria, these standards International.
shall be applied consistently with the code (IBC, and UBC)
upon which compliance is based in accordance with Table 1.3.19 ASTM D 3966-90(1995), Standard Test Method for
1. Piles under Lateral Loads, ASTM International.
1.3.1 2006 International Building Code® (IBC), 1.3.20 ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Corrosion
International Code Council. Protection of Steel Foundation Systems Using Polymer
(EAA) Coatings (AC228).
1.3.2 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC)™.
1.4 Definitions: Terminology herein is based on the
1.3.3 ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Inspection Glossary of the AISC LRFD and the following definitions:
Agencies (AC304).
1.4.1 Angle Bracket: A side load bracket with horizontal
1.3.4 ANSI/AF&PA NDS, National Design Specification bearing plate extending below and supporting a concrete
for Wood Construction (NDS), American Forest & Paper foundation.
Association.
1.4.2 Helical Foundation System: A factory-
1.3.5 ACI 318-05, Building Code Requirements for manufactured steel foundation designed to resist axial
Structural Concrete, American Concrete Institute. compression, axial tension, and/or lateral loads from
1.3.6 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, Load structures, consisting of a central shaft with one or more
and Resistance Factor Design, 3rd Edition, American helical-shaped bearing plates, extension shafts, and a
Institute of Steel Construction (AISC LRFD). bracket that allow for attachment to structures. The shafts
with helix bearing plates are screwed into the ground by
1.3.7 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, application of torsion and the shaft is extended until a
Allowable Stress Design, American Institute of Steel desired depth or a suitable soil or bedrock bearing stratum
Construction (AISC ASD). is reached.

2
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

1.4.3 Helical Foundation Device: For purposes of this 2.3 Test Reports: Reports of tests required under
criteria, a helical foundation device is any part or component Section 3.0 of this criteria shall comply with AC85 and
of a helical foundation system. reporting requirements in referenced standards.
1.4.4 Lateral Resistance: Capacity of a helical 2.4 Product Sampling: Sampling of devices for tests
foundation system or device to resist forces acting in a under this criteria shall comply with Section 3.1 of AC85.
direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of 3.0 D E S I G N , TEST, AND PERFO R M AN C E
the shaft.
REQUIREMENTS
1.4.5 Conventional Design: Methods for determining
3.1 General: The helical foundation systems and devices
design capacities of the helical foundation system that are
shall be evaluated for resistance to axial compression, axial
prescribed by and strictly in accordance with standards and
tension, or lateral loads, or a combination of these loads.
codes referenced in Section 1.3.
The required capacities shall be evaluated by considering
1.4.6 Special Analysis: Methods for determining design four primary structural elements of the helical foundation
capacities of the helical foundation system that incorporate system as shown in Figures 1 through 4. These elements
finite element modeling, discrete element modeling, strain are described as Bracket Capacity (P1), Shaft Capacity
compatibility, or other conventional analytical/numerical (P2), Helix Capacity (P3), and Soil Capacity (P4). The
techniques. Computer software developed for the analysis allowable capacity of a helical foundation system or device
of laterally loaded piles, which incorporate methods of shall be the lowest value of P1, P2, P3, and P4, from each
analysis considering the nonlinear interaction of the shaft application illustrated in Figures 1 through 4. For evaluation
with soil, is an example of special analysis. of helical foundation devices subject to combined lateral
loads and axial compression or axial tension, the allowable
2.0 BASIC INFORMATION lateral capacity and allowable axial capacity shall be
2.1 General: The following information shall be submitted determined and reported separately. The allowable strength
with ICC-ES evaluation report applications: under combined load conditions shall be determined using
the interaction equation provided in the AISC referenced
2.1.1 Summary Document: A tabulated list of the standard.
helical foundation systems, devices, and combinations
thereof to be included in the ICC-ES evaluation report, along 3.2 P1 Bracket Capacity: The P1 bracket capacity is the
with proposed structural capacities. All systems and devices maximum load that can be sustained by the bracket device
shall be clearly identified in the documentation with distinct of a helical foundation system based on strength in
product names and/or product numbering. accordance with Section 3.10.

2.1.2 Product Description: Helical products shall be 3.3 P2 Shaft Capacity: The P2 shaft capacity is the
manufactured from carbon steel, with optional zinc or specified load that can be sustained by the shaft or coupling
powder coatings. Complete information pertaining to the elements of a helical foundation device based on strength in
helical foundation systems or devices, including material accordance with Section 3.11.
specifications and drawings showing all dimensions and 3.4 P3 Helix Capacity: The P3 helix capacity is the
tolerances, and the manufacturing processes. All materials, specified load that can be sustained by the helix element of
welding processes and manufacturing procedures used in a helical foundation device based on strength or deformation
helical foundation systems and devices shall be specified in accordance with Section 3.12.
and described in quality documentation complying with
Section 5.2. All material specifications shall comply with 3.5 P4 Soil Capacity: The P4 soil capacity is the
ASTM, ACI, NDS, AISC, UBC, or IBC requirements. Material specified load that can be sustained by the soil or bedrock
composition, grade, and sizes of bolts and fasteners shall be bearing stratum supporting the foundation system or device
based on criteria in AISC, ASTM, or ANSI requirements. based on strength and settlement or pullout in accordance
with Section 3.13.
2.1.3 Installation Instructions: Procedures and details
regarding helical foundation system or device installation, 3.6 Determination of Allowable Design Capacities: In
including product-specific requirements, exclusions, accordance with Section 3.7 and Section 3.8, the allowable
limitations, and inspection requirements, as applicable. design capacities of helical foundation elements P1 and P2
shall be evaluated based on Conventional Design with no
2.1.4 Packaging and Identification: A description of testing required, Special Analysis with verification tests, or
the method of packaging and field identification of each solely on tests. All load tests shall be conducted in
helical foundation system device. Identification provisions accordance with Section 4.0. The allowable capacity P3
shall include the manufacturer’s name and address, product shall be determined through load testing only as prescribed
name and model number, evaluation report number and in Section 3.12. The allowable capacity P4 shall be
name or logo of the inspection agency. determined by registered design professional or through
installation torque correlations as specified in Section 3.13.
2.1.5 Design Calculations: Clear and comprehensive
calculations of ASD or LRFD structural capacities for system 3.7 Design Methods:
or device, based on requirements of the IBC or UBC and
3.7.1 Conventional Design: For conventional design of
this criteria. Calculations shall be sealed by a registered
steel, either Allowable Stress Design (ASD) or Load and
design professional.
Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) methods referenced in
2.2 Testing Laboratories: Testing laboratories shall the IBC or UBC may be used to calculate the allowable
comply with Section 2.0 of the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria design capacity, PN. For design of concrete, strength design
for Test Reports (AC85) and Section 4.2 of the ICC-ES methods referenced in ACI 318 (IBC) or the UBC shall be
Rules of Procedure for Evaluation Reports. used to calculate the design capacity.

3
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

3.7.1.1 ASD Method: When using the ASD method, 6. For purposes of design calculations and fabrication of test
the allowable design capacity, PN, shall be taken as the specimens, the thickness of each component shall be
allowable strength, Pa, and shall be determined in reduced by 1/2 Ts on each side, for a net reduction in
accordance with the applicable code or referenced standard thickness of Ts.
(Eq-3). Td = Tn – Ts (Eq-6)
PN = Pa (ASD) (Eq-3) where Tn is nominal thickness and Ts is sacrificial
3.7.1.2 LRFD Method: When using the LRFD method, thickness (t = 50 yrs).
the allowable design capacity, PN, shall be taken as 0.7 Td # base steel thickness
times the design strength, NPn, NPn determined in
accordance with the applicable code or referenced standard Zinc-coated steel: Ts = 25 t0.65 = 318 :m (0.013 in)
(Eq-4). Bare steel, Ts = 40 t0.80 = 915 :m (0.036 in)
PN = 0.7NPn (LRFD) (Eq-4) Powder coated steel:
3.7.2 Special Analysis: Where special analysis is used, Ts = 40(t-16)0.80 = 671 :m (0.026 in)
the allowable capacity PN shall be taken as 0.6 times the
resistance based on yield strength (Py) or, when stress For bare steel and powder-coated steel, Tn shall be the
concentrations are prevalent, PN shall be 0.5 times the base-steel thickness. For zinc-coated steel, Tn may be the
resistance based on maximum strength (Pmax) (Eq-5). sum of the base-steel thickness and zinc coating thickness,
provided the minimum zinc coating thickness is 86 :m
PN = 0.6Py or 0.5Pmax (Special Analysis) (0.0034 in). Otherwise, the sacrificial thickness, Ts, shall be
(Eq-5) determined by linear interpolation between bare steel and
3.7.3 Direct Measurement: Where load testing only is zinc coated steel using the actual specified zinc coating
used and the number of samples is not specified, the thickness.
allowable capacity shall be reported as the average For powder-coated steel, the life of powder coating is
allowable strength determined in accordance with Section taken as 16 years maximum. Hence, t has been reduced by
4.0 from tests conducted on at least five specimens, 16 in the determination of Ts.
provided all test results are within 15 percent (±15%) of the
average. Otherwise, the allowable capacity from testing only For verification of Special Analysis or for determination
shall be based on the least test result. For direct of allowable capacity through testing only, test specimens
measurement of helical foundation device capacities, testing shall be constructed using steel thickness equal to Td.
shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable test Alternatively, unaltered test specimens may be used and the
procedure described in Section 4.0. The allowable capacity, resulting allowable strength shall be reduced by multiplying
P,' shall be taken as 0.6 times the resistance based on yield the result by a scaling factor that takes into account
strength (Py) or 0.5 times the maximum strength (Pmax), corrosion and the observed failure mode. Thus, a tension
whichever yields the lowest value (Eq-6). failure result shall be scaled by the area of the fracture
surface, while a flexural failure would be scaled by the
P' = 0.6Py or 0.5Pmax (Direct Measurement) (Eq-6) reduced section modulus. The testing laboratory shall
For direct measurement of soil capacity, testing shall be determine the appropriate scaling method and identify the
conducted in accordance with Section 4.4.1.2. For failure mode.
determination of allowable soil capacity, a factor of safety
Corrosion loss shall be accounted for regardless of
equal to 2 or greater shall be applied to the maximum
whether devices are below or above ground or embedded in
measured soil capacity.
concrete. Zinc-coated steel and bare steel components shall
3.8 Capacity Limits: For conventional design, the not be combined in the same system. Powder coated steel
maximum allowable design capacity of helical foundation may be combined with zinc-coated steel and bare steel
systems and devices is 60 kips (266.9 kN) in axial tension components. All helical foundation components shall be
and axial compression and 6 kips (26.7 kN) in lateral galvanically isolated from concrete reinforcing steel, building
resistance. Helical foundation systems or devices with structural steel, or any other metal building components.
allowable design capacities greater than these normal
3.10 P1 Bracket Capacity: Helical foundation brackets
capacity limits require special analysis with additional
shall be classified as one of four types: side vertical load,
verification testing as prescribed in Sections 3.10 to 3.13.
direct load, slab support compressive load and tension
3.9 Corrosion: Helical foundation systems and devices anchor load. These types of brackets are illustrated in
shall be bare steel, powder-coated steel or zinc-coated Figures 1 through 4. Bracket capacity shall be evaluated
steel. Powder coatings shall comply with the ICC-ES separately for each type. At a minimum, evaluation of P1
Acceptance Criteria for Corrosion Protection of Steel shall include determination of strength of the connection of
Foundation Systems Using Polymer (EAA) Coatings the bracket to the structure, the internal strength of the
(AC228) and the coating thickness shall be at least 450 :m bracket itself, and the strength of connection of the bracket
(0.018 inch). Zinc coatings shall comply with ASTM A 123, to the helical foundation shaft. The frictional resistance of
A 153, B 633, or B 695, as applicable. Loss in steel concrete on a horizontal bracket component shall be
thickness due to corrosion shall be accounted for in determined using a coefficient of friction of 0.4 or less. The
determining structural capacities by reducing the thickness shear strength of concrete also shall be calculated in
of all helical foundation components by the sacrificial accordance with the applicable code. Brackets may be
thickness over a period, t, of 50 years. The design evaluated for compression, tension, and/or lateral strengths,
thickness, Td, of helical foundation components used in depending on the type. The angle of the shaft with respect
capacity calculations and testing shall be computed by Eq.- to the bracket recommended by the installation instructions

4
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

shall be accounted for in the calculations. The evaluation If G >10 Method a applies.
shall include an allowance for a tolerance of 1 degree from
the permissible angle of inclination. Effects of helical If G < 0.1 Method b applies.
foundation shaft inclination relative to vertical shall be If 0.1#G#10 Method c applies.
accounted for in the analysis for axial compression or axial
tension loads by incorporating a lateral component of forces The stiffness of the helical foundation shaft can be
in the analysis of the bracket, helical foundation shaft, and increased by reinforcing the top section of shaft with an
bracket connections. The shaft and the bracket shall be outer sleeve, T-pipe, or other means. Based on the resulting
attached by a mechanical connection. Installation shall be value of G, the corresponding method in Sections 3.10.1.1.1
limited to support of uncracked concrete, as determined in to 3.10.1.1.3 shall apply.
accordance with the applicable code. In order for the shaft 3.10.1.1.1 Method a: Rigid Shaft: This method of
to be considered side sway braced, the structure shall evaluation assumes the shaft and its connection to the
provide lateral restraint to the shaft equal to or greater than bracket are relatively rigid compared to the connection of the
0.4 percent of the shaft’s allowable axial compression load. bracket to the structure. By this method, the shaft shall resist
3.10.1 Type A Side Load: Type A brackets are illustrated the moment due to bracket eccentricity. A free body diagram
in Figure 1 and support tensile or compressive loads that of the bracket based on this method is illustrated in Figure
are not concentric with the primary axis of the helical 5(a). The free body diagram is statically determinate.
foundation shaft. Use of Type A brackets for supporting Separate evaluation of helical foundation bracket devices by
lateral loads is outside the scope of this criteria. Rotational this method shall include evaluation of P2 for all specified
moments caused by load eccentricity shall be subdivided helical foundation shafts to be used with the bracket. In the
into two components, bracket eccentricity and structure analysis of the shaft, a moment shall be applied to the top of
eccentricity, as illustrated in Figure 5. The shaft and the the shaft equal to the eccentricity of the bracket times the
connected bracket components, consisting of the connected axial load.
bracket, connection of the bracket to the shaft, and 3.10.1.1.2 Method b: Flexible Shaft: This method of
connection of the bracket to the structure, shall resist evaluation assumes the helical foundation shaft and/or its
bracket eccentricity. Structure eccentricity varies with connection to the bracket are relatively flexible compared to
application and is generally resisted by the internal strength the connection of the bracket to structure. By this method,
of the structure to which the bracket is attached. Therefore, the connection of the bracket to the structure is required to
resistance to structure eccentricity shall be determined on a resist the moment due to bracket eccentricity. Axial loads
case-by-case basis. For purposes of bracket eccentricity are transmitted concentrically to the helical foundation shaft.
and internal strength design, the location of the resultant A free body diagram of the bracket based on this method is
vertical compression force of the concrete structure on an illustrated in Figure 5(b). The free body diagram is statically
angle bracket shall be taken as the centroid of an area determinate.
defined by the uniform concrete bearing stress, taken as
0.35f'c for ASD and 0.55f'c for LRFD as shown in Figure 5. 3.10.1.1.3 Method c: Combined Stiffness: This
Type A brackets shall only be used to support structures method of evaluation assumes the shaft and the connection
that are braced as defined in IBC Section 1808.2.5. The of the bracket to the structure are of similar stiffness. In this
strength of connected bracket components, shafts shall be case, both the shaft and structure contribute to resisting the
evaluated based on one of two methods of proportioning moment due to bracket eccentricity. A free body diagram of
moment between helical foundation shaft and connected the bracket based on this method is illustrated in Figure 5(c).
bracket components. The first method is based on allowable The free body diagram is statically indeterminate. Numerical
stress design and is described in Section 3.10.1.1. The analysis, finite element modeling, strain compatibility, or
second method is based on limit state analysis and is other Special Analysis shall be used to determine allowable
described in Section 3.10.1.2. capacity. Alternatively, the moment exerted on the shaft and
the connection of the bracket to the structure can be
3.10.1.1 Allowable Stress Design: This method of proportioned using G, and the capacity of the bracket can be
evaluation assumes the resistance to overturning moment statically determined using Conventional Design described
is proportioned between the helical foundation shaft and the in Section 3.7. Evaluation of P1 bracket capacity by this
connected bracket components based on relative stiffness. method shall include a specified shaft and is necessarily
The overturning moment caused by bracket eccentricity coupled with evaluation of P2 shaft capacity. In the analysis
shall be proportioned between helical foundation shaft and of the shaft, a moment shall be applied to the top of the
connected bracket components using Eq-7a. shaft equal to the eccentricity of the bracket times the
G = EpIp/EbIb (Eq-7a) appropriate proportion (G/(G+1)) of axial load.
3.10.1.2 Limit State Design: This method of evaluation
where:
assumes at failure that the connection between the bracket
Ip = Moment of inertia of helical foundation shaft (in4 and structure reaches a maximum limit state and the helical
or mm4). foundation shaft has a plastic hinge. Based on these
assumptions, the rotational stability of a side load bracket is
Ep = Modulus of elasticity of helical foundation shaft statically determinate. The nominal load capacity of the
(psi or MPa). bracket shall be determined by simultaneous solution of
Ib = Moment of inertia of connected bracket static equilibrium equations. In the static analysis, the
components (in4 or mm4). moment at the connection of the helical foundation shaft to
the bracket or T-pipe shall be set equal to the moment
Eb = Modulus of elasticity of connected bracket resistance of the shaft based on combined axial and flexural
components (psi or MPa). loading. The shear at the connection of the helical

5
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

foundation shaft to the bracket or T-pipe shall be determined IBC, UBC, AISC LRFD, AISC ASD, AF&PA, NDS, or ACI
by Eq-7b. 318, as applicable.
Vp = Mp/d (Eq-7b) 3.10.3 Type C: Slab Support: Type C brackets support
concrete flatwork. These brackets shall support axial
where
compression loads concentrically. Use of Type C brackets
Mp = Moment resistance of helical foundation shaft for supporting tension or lateral loads is outside the scope
from combined axial and flexural load analysis of this criteria. Calculations shall be performed proving
(in–lbf or N-mm). whether the bracket can be considered sidesway braced.
Evaluation shall comply with Section 3.10.2.1 of the criteria
Vp = Shear in helical foundation shaft at the for Type B direct load brackets, Method 1, and shall include
connection to the bracket or T-pipe (lbf or N). analysis of punching shear based on ACI 318 in concrete
d = 60 inches (1524 mm). slabs of different strength and different thickness slabs,
along with recommended bracket spacing for slabs
3.10.1.3 Connection to the Structure: Axial supporting 40 psf (1915 Pa) to 100 psf (4788 Pa) uniform
compression, axial tension, or lateral load connection live loads. At a minimum, evaluation shall include 4-, 6-, and
capacities shall be determined in accordance with the IBC, 8-inch-thick (102, 152, and 203 mm), unreinforced slabs
UBC, or a current ICC-ES evaluation report. For purposes containing normal-weight concrete with minimum specified
of evaluation, the structure shall be modeled as a mass of compressive strength of 2,500 psi (17.22 MPa). Other
structural plain concrete, semi-infinite in extent, with varying concrete strengths and structural lightweight concrete also
strength. The structure shall be assumed to be fixed in can be included in the evaluation at the option of the bracket
translation and rotation, but can move freely in the vertical manufacturer.
direction. At a minimum, design of the connection shall be
based on normal-weight concrete with a specified 3.10.4 Type D: Tension Anchor: Type D brackets are
compressive strength of 2,500 psi (17.22 MPa). Other used to support axial tension loads only. These brackets
concrete strengths, structural lightweight concrete, masonry shall support loads concentrically and shall not be evaluated
and other materials also can be included in the evaluation at for lateral load resistance. Evaluation shall comply with
the option of the bracket manufacturer. For all combinations Section 3.10.2 of the criteria for Type B direct load brackets.
of concrete strength and/or material compositions, details The connection to the existing structure shall be evaluated,
regarding connection of the bracket to the structure types including the range of acceptable shaft installation angles
(i.e., anchor bolt placement, grouting, surface preparation, proposed by the manufacturer.
etc.) shall be prescriptively specified. 3.10.5 Test Requirements: Verification tests shall not be
3.10.2 Type B: Direct Load: Type B brackets illustrated required for evaluation of foundation brackets provided all
in Figure 2, support axial compressive or axial tension loads analysis is accomplished using Conventional Design as set
that are concentric with the primary axis of the helical forth in Section 3.7 and allowable capacities are within the
foundation shaft and may be used to support lateral loads. range of Normal Capacity Limits as set forth in Section 3.8.
The strength of bracket components and connections shall A minimum of three verification load tests shall be
be evaluated in accordance with Section 3.10.2.1 or Section conducted in each load direction (axial compression, axial
3.10.2.2 depending on whether the structure to be tension, and lateral) on any component of a bracket or
supported by the bracket is side sway braced. bracket/shaft system evaluated using Special Analysis and
for brackets exceeding Normal Capacity Limits. Where tests
3.10.2.1 Method 1: Sidesway Braced: This method of are required for verification of lateral resistance, tests shall
evaluation assumes the connection of the bracket to the be conducted to verify lateral resistance in all directions for
structure provides lateral but not rotational bracing for the which lateral resistance is being claimed. Bracket tests shall
top of the helical foundation shaft so that the top of the shaft be conducted in accordance with Section 4.1 for
is essentially a pinned connection. compression and tension and Section 4.4.2 for lateral
3.10.2.2 Method 2: Sidesway Unbraced: This method resistance.
of evaluation assumes the structure provides neither lateral 3.11 P2 Shaft Capacity: At a minimum, helical foundation
nor rotational bracing for the top of the helical foundation shaft capacities shall be evaluated for torsion and either
shaft, so that the top of the shaft is essentially a free axial compression, axial tension, or both. Shafts may also be
connection. evaluated for lateral resistance with consideration of
3.10.2.3 Connection to the Structure: The structures combined lateral and axial loading. Evaluation of shafts shall
that Type B brackets are used to support may be concrete, include connections between shafts. All shaft connections
steel, wood or other material. Evaluation shall include shall be made via a mechanical coupling.
specifications for connection to structures, such as material 3.11.1 Tension: Shaft evaluation for tension shall include
strength, embedment depth, edge distance, welds, bolts, yielding on the gross area and fracture at any couplings. At
bearing area, and bracing. Connection of the bracket to couplings, there shall be consideration of fracture on the net
each type of structure (grade beams, walls, steel beams, area of the main member, fracture on the net area of the
posts, etc.) for which evaluation is being sought shall be sleeve, bearing of fasteners such as pins or bolts on the net
detailed and analyzed separately. At a minimum, design of areas of fastener holes, shearing of the fasteners, block
the connection shall be based on normal-weight concrete shearing of the main member and sleeve, and the
with a specified compressive strength of 2,500 psi (17.22 attachment of the sleeve to the main member.
MPa). The analysis shall include considerations of internal
shear and moment within concrete elements, as applicable. 3.11.2 Compression: Shaft evaluation for compression
Analysis of wood, steel, and concrete shall be based on the shall include buckling resistance, yielding on the gross area,

6
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

and yielding at any couplings. At couplings, there shall be 3.11.5 Elastic Shortening or Lengthening: Methods
consideration of bearing of the fasteners such as pins or (equations) shall be provided for estimation of elastic
bolts on the net area of the fastener holes, shearing of the shortening/lengthening of the shaft under the allowable axial
fasteners, and the attachment of the sleeve to the main load plus any slip in the couplings. These methods shall be
member. A bending moment shall be applied to the top of based upon Conventional Design.
the shaft in buckling calculations in accordance with Section
3.11.6 Combined Stresses: Shaft evaluation shall
3.10 and Section 3.11.2.3.
include combined stresses. Combinations of tension,
3.11.2.1 Unsupported Length: Unsupported shaft compression, bending, and lateral loads shall be considered
lengths shall include the length of the shaft in air, water, or as applicable.
in fluid soils. For unbraced systems, the lengths specified in 3.11.7 Test Requirements: Verification tests shall not be
IBC Section 1808.2.9.2 shall apply unless determined required for evaluation of shaft tension, compression, and
otherwise by Special Analysis. In accordance with IBC bending moment provided all analysis is accomplished using
Section 1808.2.9.1, any soil other than fluid soil shall be Conventional Design in accordance with Section 3.1 and
deemed to afford sufficient lateral support to prevent allowable capacities are within the range of Normal Capacity
buckling of systems that are braced. Bracing shall comply Limits as set forth in Section 3.8. A minimum of three
with IBC Section 1808.2.5. Firm soils shall be defined as verification load tests shall be conducted on separate
any soil with a Standard Penetration Test blow count of five specimens in each direction (compression, tension,
or greater. Soft soils shall be defined as any soil with a bending) on any component of a shaft evaluated using
Standard Penetration Test blow count greater than zero and Special Analysis and for shafts that exceed Normal Capacity
less than five. Fluid soils shall be defined as any soil with a limits as set forth in Section 3.8. Tests are required to
Standard Penetration Test blow count of zero [weight of determine torsion resistance of all shafts and coupling
hammer (WOH) or weight of rods (WOR)]. Standard rigidity as described in Sections 3.11.2.3 or 3.11.3. Tests for
Penetration Test blow count shall be determined in shaft capacity shall be conducted in accordance with
accordance with ASTM D 1586. Section 4.2.
3.11.2.2 Effective Length: Effective lengths shall be 3.12 P3 Helix Capacity: Helix capacities shall be
determined using the unsupported length defined in Section evaluated for torsional resistance, punching flexure, weld
3.11.2.1 and the appropriate effective length factor, K, flexure, and weld shear in tension and compression.
determined in accordance with the AISC referenced Evaluation shall be based solely on testing. The allowable
standard. Slenderness ratio limitations as specified by the helix capacity, P3, for helical foundation systems and
AISC referenced standards do not apply. devices with multiple helices shall be taken as the sum of
the least design allowable capacity of each individual helix.
3.11.2.3 Coupling Rigidity: Coupling rigidity shall be The allowable capacity of the helix in torsion shall be
considered for all cases except braced systems in firm or considered acceptable provided it exceeds the torsional
soft soils. To account for coupling rigidity, the eccentricity of strength of the shaft.
the axial compressive load applied to the shaft shall be
increased by a distance, nAec, where n is the number of 3.12.1 Lateral Capacity: The determination of the lateral
couplings possible in the unsupported length and ec is the capacity of the helix is not permitted. The lateral capacity of
maximum lateral deflection of the unsupported length of a helical foundation system is based on the resistance of the
shaft due to flexure of the coupling under an applied lateral shaft only and is not significantly affected by the presence
load of 0.4 percent of the applied axial compressive load. of helix bearing plates.
Maximum lateral deflection of the shaft due to coupling 3.12.2 Torsion: Torsion resistance of helix bearing plates
flexure shall be determined in accordance with Section can be determined in conjunction with shaft torsion or
4.2.4. independently. In either case, testing shall be conducted in
accordance with Section 4.2.2 using the number of samples
3.11.3 Torsion: Torsion resistance shall be determined
and the same procedures described in Section 3.11.3.
by testing in accordance with Section 4.2.2. A minimum of
12 samples, with an equal number of samples from four or 3.12.3 Test Requirements: Each diameter, thickness,
more separate heats, shall be used for the basis of testing. steel grade, pitch, and edge geometry helix, for which
The mean ultimate (maximum) torsion resistance and evaluation is being sought, shall be tested. The allowable
standard deviation shall be determined from the test capacity for each size and type of helix shall be reported as
population. Based on test results, maximum installation the average result of at least three test specimens. In order
torque shall be reported as two standard deviations below to allow the mean values, individual results determined from
the mean ultimate (maximum) torque from the sample testing shall be within 15 percent of the average of tests.
population. Torsional strength need not be evaluated for Otherwise, the least test result shall apply. At least one
corrosion losses. laboratory test shall be conducted to verify the torsional
shear strength of each helix for installation purposes. Helix
3.11.4 Lateral Resistance: Lateral resistance of the punching, weld flexure, and weld shear tests shall be
shaft is necessarily coupled with soil capacity and shall be conducted in accordance with Section 4.3. Helix torsion
determined in accordance with Section 3.13. Shaft area, resistance shall be tested in accordance with Section 4.2.2.
moment of inertia, and elasticity shall be used as inputs in
3.13 P4 Soil Capacity: Soil capacity includes the tension,
the analysis. Maximum bending moment and shear stress
determined from the analysis shall be limited by the compression, and/or lateral resistance of a helical
allowable bending and shear resistance of the shaft or the foundation embedded in ground, as applicable.
shaft couplings, whichever is less. Deflection of shaft 3.13.1 Axial Capacity Verification: For all helical
couplings shall be included in lateral resistance analysis. foundation systems, full-scale field installation and load tests

7
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

shall be conducted to verify the axial capacity on specimens The number of tests required to verify capacity to
installed to the maximum installation torque determined in torque ratios for conforming products shall be as shown in
accordance with Section 3.11.3. The tests shall be regarded Table 2. The correlation between torque and capacity shall
as a successful verification of installation and allowable be deemed verified if all of the ultimate (maximum) soil
capacity, provided the maximum allowable torque is capacities determined from load tests conducted in
achieved during installation without significant damage to accordance with Section 3.13.2 exceed the allowable
the helical foundation shaft and all full-scale axial load tests capacity determined using the forgoing Kt values and
exceed the allowable capacity of the system by a factor of provided the average ratio of ultimate (maximum) soil
safety of at least 2.0. capacity determined in field tests to predicted allowable
At least two specimens of each type of helical capacity determined using Kt is equal to or greater than two
foundation shaft shall be tested in each load direction (2.0). If verification is not obtained, these helical foundation
(tension or compression) for which evaluation is being systems and devices shall be deemed as non-conforming
sought. Variations in shaft size and material strengths, as and shall be subject to the additional testing as set forth in
well as helix pitch, helix thickness, and edge geometry, shall Section 3.13.2.2.
constitute a different type of specimen. Two separate 3.13.2.2 Nonconforming Systems: Systems that fail
specimens shall be tested in each direction (compression to comply with the criteria in Table 3 or that fail verification
and/or tension) for which evaluation is being sought. Test tests given in Section 3.13.2.1 shall be deemed
specimens shall consist of a shaft, at least one shaft nonconforming. Conforming systems also may be deemed
coupling, and a single helix. The helix size shall include the non-conforming if values of Kt higher than provided in
smallest available helix diameter for one test and the largest Section 3.13.2.1 are desired. In order to establish Kt values
available helix diameter for the other test. The test specimen for these systems, at least eight additional field tests shall
may include a bracket. All verification tests shall be be conducted in compression and six additional tests shall
conducted at sites described in Section 3.13.4. Additional be conducted in tension in addition to the quantity shown in
information on testing is provided in Section 3.13.5. The Table 2. These tests shall involve a range of at least three
determination of soil capacity, P4, on any specific site or different helix combinations and at least three different soil
with any configuration of helical bearing plates other than types. The subsurface profile at each test site shall be
the test site and test specimen is outside the scope of this determined in accordance with Section 3.13.4.
acceptance criteria. The evaluation report shall indicate that
soil capacity shall be determined by a registered design Test sample population shall be plotted versus the
professional for each site considering groundwater and ratio Qf/Q, where Qf is ultimate (maximum) soil capacity
other geotechnical conditions. As an alternative, torque determined through full-scale field tests and Q is ultimate
correlations for specific soil conditions may be determined (maximum) soil capacity determined by correlations with
in accordance with Section 3.13.2. torque using a constant Kt. An iterative approach shall be
used to determine the value of Kt such that the mean value
3.13.2 Torque Correlations: Evaluation reports may of Qf/Q is equal to 1.0. The Kt value shall be considered
include a correlation between final installation torque, T, and valid if 94 percent of the data have a Qf/Q ratio greater than
ultimate (maximum) axial capacity, Q, given by Eq-8: 0.5. Otherwise, a correlation between capacity and torque is
Q = Kt T (Eq-8) invalid for that product and cannot be reported.

where Kt is the axial tensile or compressive load capacity to 3.13.3 Lateral Resistance: Allowable soil capacity in the
torque ratio for a given helical foundation type. The lateral direction shall be determined through load tests on
allowable capacity, Qa, shall be computed by Eq-9: specimens installed in different soil conditions. The
allowable soil capacity shall be determined based on
Qa = 0.5Q (Eq-9) deflection criteria set forth in Section 4.4.2. In order to be
If included in the evaluation report, the parameter Kt valid, allowable capacities determined for each type of
shall be verified by full-scale field installation and load tests. specimen in each soil type shall be within 15 percent of the
The number of tests required depends on whether the average allowable capacity for those tests.
helical foundation system is conforming or nonconforming. A minimum of four specimens of each type of helical
Separate torque correlations are required for shafts with foundation shaft shall be tested in each soil type for which
differing geometry and outside dimensions and for each evaluation is being sought. Variations in shaft size, shaft
helix plate style (pitch, thickness, geometry). Field tests may geometry, and material strength shall constitute a different
be conducted at any site provided a geotechnical type of specimen. Variations in helix size, geometry, pitch,
engineering report is obtained for the site in accordance with material strength, thickness, and number do not require
Section 3.13.4 and the soil profile generally matches that separate tests. Four separate specimens shall be tested in
shown in Table 2. each transverse direction for which evaluation is being
3.13.2.1 Conforming Systems: Systems shall be sought if the shaft is not axially symmetric. Test specimens
considered conforming based on compliance with the shall consist of a shaft, at least one shaft coupling located
criteria given in Table 3. The following capacity to torque within the manufacturer’s smallest extension length from the
ratios (Kt) shall be reported for conforming products. ground surface, and one or more helix bearing plates. The
test may include a bracket.
1.5-inch- and 1.75-inch-square shafts Kt = 10 ft-1
At a minimum, evaluation shall include tests in firm clay
2.875-inch outside diameter round shafts Kt = 9 ft-1 soils. Additional tests may be conducted in different soil
3.0-inch outside diameter round shafts Kt = 8 ft-1 conditions from other sites. The subsurface profile at all test
sites shall be characterized in a soil investigation by a
3.5-inch outside diameter round shafts Kt = 7 ft-1 registered design professional. Additional information on

8
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

testing is provided in Section 3.13.4. Allowable soil capacity manufacturer-recommended angle of the shaft to bracket
for different specimens in different soil categories shall be shall be accounted for and shall be modeled to match the
tabulated in the evaluation report. The evaluation report anticipated design purpose.
shall contain a statement that soil capacity for lateral
4.1.1.2 Procedure: Axial deflection shall be recorded
resistance in soils conditions that substantially differ from
as a function of applied load at regular intervals equal to or
actual test sites included in the evaluation shall be
less than 20 percent of the anticipated allowable load. The
determined by a registered professional engineer on a case-
rate of load application shall be sufficiently slow to simulate
by-case basis.
static conditions. Each load increment shall be held for a
3.13.4 Test Requirements: Axial compressive, tensile, minimum of 1 minute. Yield strength and ultimate
and lateral allowable load capacity shall be verified through (maximum) strength of the bracket shall be determined
field load tests as provided in Section 3.13.3. At least two using conventional analysis of a plot of load versus
verification tests are required for axial compression and at deflection. The allowable strength of the bracket shall be
least two verification tests are required for axial tension. If a determined from yield or ultimate (maximum) strength using
ratio between final installation torque and capacity is the equations provided in Section 3.7.3, whichever formula
specified, then at least eight tests are required for axial results in the lowest value. Compression tests shall be
compression verification and at least six tests are required conducted within 24 hours of the bracket test on concrete
for axial tension verification for each shaft size for which cylinders cast at the same time as the test specimen to
evaluation is being sought. The two verification tests establish concrete compressive strength. Cylinders shall be
required for compression and tension may be included in the stored and cured according to Section 9.3.1 of ASTM C 31
tests for torque correlations. No additional tests are required (field cure). The tested concrete compressive strength shall
for establishing torque correlations for conforming products, be within 15 percent of the specified compressive strength.
whereas nonconforming products will require eight Concrete cylinder compression tests shall be conducted in
additional tests in compression and six additional tests in accordance with ASTM C 39.
tension for each shaft size. If evaluation of lateral resistance 4.1.2 Type B: Direct Load:
is requested, four verification tests are required for each
shaft size, shaft geometry, and soil type. 4.1.2.1 Setup: The test bracket shall be mounted to a
fixture that is substantially similar to the structure for which
Tests for axial compression and tension soil capacity the bracket is intended to support. The fixture representing
shall be conducted in accordance with Section 4.4.1 and the structure shall be translationally and rotationally fixed as
tests for lateral resistance shall be conducted in accordance appropriate to simulate field conditions, as illustrated in
with Section 4.4.2. Tension and compression verification Figure 7. The connection of the bracket to the fixture shall
load tests are required to be conducted at the facility or field be in accordance with manufacturer's installation
station of a testing laboratory complying with Section 2.2. instructions. The load shall be applied to the bracket using
The subsurface profile at other test sites shall be a 60-inch-long (1524 mm) section of helical foundation shaft
characterized in a soil report by a registered design secured to the bracket in a manner that duplicates actual
professional. Subsurface profile characterization shall field conditions. The loaded end of the shaft shall be
include soil borings, standard penetration resistance tests, rotationally fixed. Axial load shall be applied in the direction
and basic laboratory classification tests essential for soil of the longitudinal axis of the helical foundation shaft. Any
classification according to the Unified Soil Classification inclination of the shaft with respect to the structure shall be
System. All field penetration tests, laboratory tests, and soil modeled to match the anticipated design purpose. For tests
classifications shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM of the lateral capacity of a bracket and the connection of the
D 1586. bracket to a structure, the load test shall be set-up as
4.0 TEST METHODS described herein, except that the load shall be applied
normal to the shaft at a location as close to the base of the
4.1 P1 Bracket Capacity: Where specified herein, each cap as possible. In order to avoid application of flexure to
size and configuration of the bracket shall be tested. The the shaft during loading, a roller guide shall be used to
configuration of the bracket and direction of applied loads in facilitate load application as shown in Figure 7.
the test apparatus shall be as close to actual field conditions 4.1.2.2 Procedure: Depending on the purpose of the
as practical. Pertinent data such as maximum load applied, test, axial or lateral deflection shall be recorded as a
maximum bracket rotation, failure mode, etc. shall be function of applied load at regular intervals equal to or less
reported. than 20 percent of the anticipated allowable load. The rate
4.1.1 Type A Side Load: of load application shall be sufficiently slow to simulate static
conditions. Each load increment shall be held for a minimum
4.1.1.1 Setup: Compression and tension tests can be of 1 minute. Yield strength and ultimate (maximum)
conducted in a horizontal configuration, as illustrated in strengths of the bracket shall be determined using
Figure 6. The bracket shall be mounted to a block of plain conventional analysis of a plot of load versus deflection. The
concrete of known strength that is fixed with respect to allowable strength of the bracket shall be determined from
translation and rotation. The connection of the bracket to the yield or ultimate (maximum) strength and the equations
concrete shall be in accordance with manufacturer's provided in Section 3.7.3, whichever formula results in a
installation instructions. Load shall be applied to the bracket lower value. If a concrete structure is used in the load test,
using a 60 inch (1524 mm) long section of helical foundation the strength of the concrete shall be tested in accordance
shaft secured to the bracket in a manner that duplicates with the procedures in Section 4.1.1.2.
actual field conditions. The loaded end of the shaft shall be
4.1.3 Type C: Slab Support:
rotationally fixed. Axial load shall be applied in the direction
of the longitudinal axis of the helical foundation shaft. Any 4.1.3.1 Setup: Compression tests shall be conducted
eccentricity inherent in the bracket configuration and by casting a concrete slab with specified thickness and

9
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

dimensions equal to the manufacturer's recommended 4.2.1.1 Setup: Tension and compression tests shall
helical foundation shaft spacing for that thickness slab and be conducted on a section of shaft with a coupling located
anticipated loading. The slab support bracket and a section approximately at the midpoint of the shaft specimen. The
of helical foundation shaft shall be mounted in an inverted test specimen shall be mounted to a vertical or horizontal
fashion over the slab, as illustrated in Figure 8. A hole load frame with one end attached to a fixed platform and the
consistent with manufacturer's recommendations shall be other end attached to a mobile platform with the capability
cored through the slab in the bracket location and to apply the load to the specimen in the axial direction. The
subsequently filled with cementitious grout. The slab shall coupling connection shall be done in accordance with
be supported on a flexible air diaphragm sufficient to manufacturer’s specific published recommendations.
withstand the imposed loads. The length of the helical shaft Direction of loading shall be coaxial with the longitudinal axis
used in the test shall be at least six times the diameter of the of the shaft. The testing apparatus shall provide sufficient
shaft. As an alternative, the slab, bracket, shaft, and air rigidity as to minimize any slip or deformation not associated
diaphragm may be mounted in a horizontal load frame. with the test specimen. The shaft shall have sufficient length
4.1.3.2 Procedure: Downward compression loads (each side of coupling) to allow a uniform tensile or
shall be applied axially to the end of the shaft. Axial compressive force to develop in the shaft prior to reaching
deflections shall be recorded as a function of applied load at the connection. To evaluate buckling resistance,
regular intervals not exceeding 20 percent of the anticipated compression specimens shall have a minimum length equal
allowable load. The rate of load application shall be to or greater than the effective length as specified in Section
sufficiently slow to simulate static conditions. Each load 3.11.2.2.
increment shall be held for a minimum of 1 minute. Yield 4.2.1.2 Procedure: Loads shall be applied to the
strength and ultimate (maximum) strengths of the bracket specimen in increments not exceeding 20 percent of the
shall be determined using conventional analysis of a plot of design allowable load of the specimen. Each load increment
load versus deflection and may depend heavily on slab shall be held for a minimum of one minute. The specimen
shear. The allowable strengths of the bracket shall be shall be loaded to failure. Application of the load shall be
determined from yield or ultimate (maximum) strength and performed at a slow rate to simulate a statically applied load.
the equations provided in Section 3.7.3, whichever formula Pertinent data such as maximum load applied, maximum
results in the lowest value. The compressive strength of the shaft or connection deformation, failure mode, etc. shall be
concrete shall be verified in accordance with the procedures reported. Yield strength and ultimate (maximum) strength of
described in Section 4.1.1.2. the shaft and coupling shall be determined using
4.1.4 Type D: Tension Anchor: conventional analysis of a plot of load versus deflection. The
allowable strength of the shaft and coupling shall be
4.1.4.1 Setup: Load tests shall be conducted on Type determined from yield or ultimate (maximum) strength and
D anchor brackets by attaching the bracket to a short the equations provided in Section 3.7.3, whichever equation
section of helical foundation shaft following the evaluation results in a lower value.
report applicant’s recommendations. The bracket shall be
cast into a concrete test specimen or otherwise attached to 4.2.2 Torsion:
a structure that substantially conforms to the manufacturer’s 4.2.2.1 Setup: Torsion testing shall be performed on
recommended connection details including minimum washer a section of shaft with a minimum length of 36 inches (914
plate size, concrete cover, and concrete reinforcement as mm) or 12 times the maximum outside cross sectional
applicable. The specimen shall be placed in tension in a dimension of the shaft; whichever is greater. The shaft shall
laboratory load frame, as illustrated in Figure 9. Deflection have a standard manufactured coupling located
of the anchor bracket shall be measured with a dial gauge. approximately midway between the ends of the shaft
The load shall be determined with a calibrated load cell. The specimen and a helix affixed to the end of the shaft. The
length of the shaft used in the test shall be at least six times specimen shall be fixed at the helix end and attached to a
the shaft diameter. torque motor on the other end. The helix shall be fixed about
4.1.4.2 Procedure: The specimen shall be loaded in the outside edge using six bolt clamps. The tests shall be
increments not exceeding 20 percent of the calculated conducted in a load frame that allows for measurement of
allowable capacity. The rate of load application shall be the angle of twist, as illustrated in Figure 10. Torque shall be
sufficiently slow to simulate static conditions. Each load applied to a short section of shaft attached to the helix. The
increment shall be held for a minimum of 1 minute. test setup shall include a means of measuring shaft coupling
Deflections and loads at the completion of the hold period bolt hole elongation during the test. Alternatively, the helix
for each increment shall be measured. The specimens shall may be tested separately at the evaluation report applicant’s
be loaded until plastic yielding or brittle fracture occurs. The option. In the shaft torsion test without a helix, the specimen
failure mode shall be reported. A plot of deflection versus shall be fixed at one end of the shaft and attached to the
load shall be reported. The allowable strength of the bracket torque motor on the other end. In the helix torsion test, the
shall be determined from yield or ultimate (maximum) specimen shall consist of a short section of shaft attached
strength and the equations provided in Section 3.7.3, to a helix plate. The helix shall be fixed about the outside
whichever equation results in a lower value, along with the edge as previously described herein and torsion shall be
corresponding deflection as determined from the load- applied to the end of the shaft.
deflection plot. If applicable, the strength of the concrete 4.2.2.2 Procedure: As applicable depending on the
shall be verified in accordance with the procedures test specimen configuration, the maximum torsion
described in Section 4.1.1.2. resistance shall be defined as that required to achieve 0.5
4.2 P2 Shaft Capacity: shaft revolution per foot (1.6 revolutions per meter) of shaft
length, that which causes failure of the helix, coupling, or
4.2.1 Axial Tension and Compression: shaft, that which damages the coupling to an extent that it

10
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

cannot be decoupled effectively, or that which elongates the or coupling at the point of load application shall be
coupling bolt hole 0.25 inch (6.4 mm), whichever occurs measured at each increment. Load shall be applied at a
first. The rotation rate shall not exceed 20 rpm. slow rate to simulate statically applied load. Each load
increment shall be held for a minimum of one minute. Yield
4.2.3 Bending:
and ultimate (maximum) strength of the shaft or coupling
4.2.3.1 Setup: Bending tests shall be conducted on a shall be determined using a conventional analysis of a plot
section of shaft that is horizontally arranged in a of load versus deflection.
compression load frame, as illustrated in Figure 11. For 4.3 P3 Helix Capacity:
shafts with a non-circular cross section, as a minimum, the
tests shall be conducted with the least resistant orientation. 4.3.1.1 Setup: Helix capacity tests shall be performed
The distance between shaft supports shall be at least 36 by placing a short section of shaft with a helix in a laboratory
inches (914 mm) or 12 times the maximum outside cross- load frame, as illustrated in Figure 13. The helix plate shall
sectional dimension of the shaft, whichever is greater. A bear on an adjustable mandrill with five or more pins or a
coupling shall be located approximately in the center of the helix-shaped fixture. The line of bearing shall be located at
specimen. Loads shall be applied using a two point test a distance from the central axis of the shaft equal to one-half
where the load points straddle the coupling so that a uniform the outer radius of the helix, Rb, plus the radius of the shaft,
bending moment is produced in the coupling. Rs. For non-circular shafts, Rs shall be the radius of a circle
circumscribed about the outer extent of the shaft’s cross-
4.2.3.2 Procedures: Load shall be applied and
section. Direction of loading shall be coaxial with the
deflections measured at intervals of less than or equal to 20
longitudinal axis of the shaft and normal to the bearing plane
percent of the load corresponding to the theoretical
of the helix.
allowable bending moment. Application of load shall be
performed at a slow rate to simulate a statically applied load. 4.3.1.2 Procedures: Load shall be applied and
Pertinent data such as maximum load applied, maximum deflection recorded at intervals equal to 20 percent of the
shaft or coupling deformation, failure mode, etc. shall be theoretical punching strength of the helix. Application of load
reported. Yield strength and ultimate (maximum) strength of shall be done at a slow enough rate as to simulate a
the shaft and coupling shall be determined using statically applied load. Pertinent data such as maximum load
conventional analysis of a plot of load versus deflection. The applied, maximum helix deformation, failure mode, etc.,
allowable bending strength of the shaft and coupling shall be shall be reported. Load shall be plotted as a function of
determined from yield or (maximum) strength and the deflection. Maximum strength of the helix shall be the peak
equations provided in Section 3.7.3, whichever equation load sustained by the helix. The allowable strength of the
results in a lower value. helix shall be determined from the maximum strength in
accordance with Section 3.7.3.
4.2.4 Coupling Rigidity:
4.4 P4 Soil Capacity:
4.2.4.1 Setup: The maximum lateral deflection of
shafts due to coupling flexure shall be determined using a 4.4.1 Full-scale Load Tests:
section of shaft with length equal to the Unsupported Length
[60 or 120 inches (1524 or 3048 mm) as specified by 4.4.1.1 Setup: Full-scale load tests shall be conducted
Section 1808.2.9.2 of the IBC]. The shaft shall have the in accordance with ASTM D 1143 for axial compression and
maximum number of couplings possible over its length ASTM D 3689 for axial tension. The quick load test
based on the available shaft sections. The shaft shall be procedure set forth in Section 5.6 of ASTM D 1143 shall be
horizontally or vertically arranged in a load frame at the used in compression tests. Installation of the helical piers
evaluation report applicant’s option with one end fixed and shall be done in accordance with the installation instructions.
the other end unsupported, as illustrated in Figure 12. A The brand, model number, and maximum torque capacity of
load shall be applied perpendicularly to the unsupported end the installation device shall be reported. All test piers shall
of the shaft. be installed as close to vertical as possible. Pertinent data
such as helical foundation shaft depth and final installation
4.2.4.2 Procedures: A vertical load equal to 0.4 torque achieved shall be reported. Torque should be
percent of the allowable compression load on the helical measured with a calibrated in-line indicator, or calibrated
foundation shaft system shall be applied. The total deflection hydraulic torque motor via differential pressure. Calibration
of the loaded end of the shaft, including any free deflection, of torque motors and/or torque indicators shall be performed
shall be measured relative to a horizontal plane extending on equipment whose calibration is traceable back to NIST
from the fixed end. The total deflection shall be reported and (National Institute of Standards and Technology). For
used in shaft eccentricity computations. tension tests, the helical foundation shaft shall be installed
such that the minimum depth from the ground surface to the
4.2.5 Shear Strength:
uppermost helix is 12D, where D is the diameter of the
4.2.5.1 Setup: The maximum shear strength of shafts largest helix.
and couplings shall be determined using specimens with
4.4.1.2 Procedures: Direction of loading shall be
lengths as appropriate for the test apparatus. The specimen
coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pier. Application of
shall be horizontally or vertically arranged in a load frame
load shall be done at a slow rate to simulate a statically
with one end fixed and the other end free. A load shall be
applied load. Piers shall be installed to the depth interval
applied normal to the shaft or coupling using a roller or slide
recommended for the designated helical foundation shaft
to avoid inducing flexure into the system.
test sites. Maximum load capacity shall be that which is
4.2.5.2 Procedure: The loads shall be applied in achieved when plunging of the helix plate occurs or when
increments not exceeding 20 percent of the allowable shear net deflection exceeds 10 percent of the helix plate
load on the shaft or coupling. The total deflection of the shaft diameter, whichever occurs first. Net deflection shall be total

11
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

deflection minus shaft elastic shortening or lengthening. For 6.0 EVALUATION REPORT RECOGNITION
multiple helix configurations, the average helix diameter
shall be used in this criterion. 6.1 General: The evaluation report shall include a
description of the helical foundation device or system,
4.4.2 Lateral Load Tests: typical applications, and limitations. The evaluation report
4.4.2.1 Setup: Lateral load tests shall be conducted shall state that (1) the device or system shall be limited to
in accordance with ASTM D 3966. These tests can be support of structures in IBC Seismic Design Categories A,
performed in two ways. If verification of lateral resistance of B, and C or UBC Seismic Zones 0, 1, and 2, only; (2) the
brackets is required, the test setup shall consist of a helical device or system shall not be used in conditions that are
foundation representative of a standard installation with a indicative of a potential pile corrosion situation as defined by
bracket above the ground surface. The bracket shall be soil resistivity less than 1,000 ohm-cm, pH less than 5.5,
connected to a structure constructed from wood, steel, or soils with high organic content, sulfate concentrations
concrete depending on the particular detail for which greater than 1,000 ppm, landfills, or mine waste.
evaluation is being sought. The test setup shall be such that System and device descriptions shall include the
lateral load is applied to the structure being supported dimensions of primary components as well as engineering
immediately above the bracket elevation. The tests shall be drawings of the product. Any bracket connections to
conducted with a free head arrangement in accordance with structures shall be prescriptively specified in construction
ASTM D 3966. Where the bracket is intended to support a details, including type and condition of structure to be
structure that is rotationally restrained, the test may be supported, drill holes, bolts, washer plates, field welds,
conducted using fixed head or free head arrangements in minimum concrete cover, concrete reinforcement, and
accordance with ASTM D 3966. leveling grout, as applicable. The recommended angle of
If verification of bracket capacity is not required, as in shaft installation and maximum permissible departure from
the case of Conventional Design, then the tests shall be that angle shall be specified for each bracket. Construction
conducted with the helical foundation shaft extending a details for bracket connections shall indicate that materials
minimum of 12 inches (304.8 mm) from the ground surface. with different corrosion protection coatings shall not be
The lateral load shall be applied to the helical foundation combined in the same system and that helical foundation
shaft immediately above the ground surface. Depending on devices and systems shall not be placed in electrical contact
whether the helical foundation shaft is intended to support (galvanically isolated) with structural steel, reinforcing steel,
a structure that is rotationally restrained, the test may be or any other metal building components.
conducted using fixed head or free head arrangements in A table of allowable capacities (tension, compression,
accordance with ASTM D 3966. and/or lateral) for all elements (P1, P2, P3, and P4, as
Bracket and helical foundation installation shall be applicable) shall be provided with listings for each system or
done in accordance with the standards set forth in device and all possible combinations and configurations.
manufacturer’s specific published recommendations. All test The evaluation report shall state that the allowable capacity
piers shall be installed within the manufacturer’s specified of a helical foundation device or system shall be governed
tolerances for angle of installation for the bracket type. by the least allowable capacity, P1 through P4, as
Where brackets are not used, the shaft shall be installed applicable.
within the manufacturer’s specified tolerances for If lateral resistance is included in the evaluation report, a
plumbness. The minimum depth of the uppermost helix shall table of soil capacity in the lateral direction based on load
be 180 inches (4572 mm) unless the helical foundation tests shall be provided for each type of shaft in each test soil
system is only available in a shorter length. condition. The evaluation report shall indicate that soil
4.4.2.2 Procedures: For tests including brackets or capacity in the lateral direction needs to be determined by
shafts that are non symmetrical, separate specimens shall a registered design professional unless the soil conditions
be loaded in all lateral directions for which evaluation is for the site in question are generally consistent with soil
being sought. Application of load shall be done at a slow types described in the evaluation report. For any helical
rate to simulate a statically applied load. The allowable load foundation device subject to combined lateral and axial
capacity reported shall be equal to half the load required to compression or axial tension, the evaluation report shall
cause 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) of lateral deflection at the ground contain the maximum allowable lateral strength and the
surface. maximum allowable axial strength and shall state that the
strength of the device is governed by the interaction
4.5 General Testing Requirements: Test equipment
equation given in the AISC reference standard.
shall be adequate to impose anticipated maximum loads. If
loading is not carried to failure, the highest value achieved The evaluation report shall provide a discussion of elastic
will be considered the maximum load. shortening/lengthening, anticipated settlements, and typical
elastic deflections, as applicable, depending the end use.
5.0 QUALITY CONTROL
The discussion shall contain design values from analysis or
5.1 Manufacturing: All products shall be manufactured load tests.
under an approved quality control program with inspections
by an inspection agency accredited by the International 6.2 Brackets: Bracket capacities, P1, shall include
Accreditation Service (IAS) or otherwise acceptable to ICC- reference to the type of shaft and shall include provisions
ES. for, P2, shaft capacity. The table of side load bracket
capacities also shall include a list of values or an equation
5.2 Quality Control Documentation: Quality for determining the maximum overturning moment specific
documentation complying with the ICC-ES Acceptance to that type of bracket as a function of axial load supported.
Criteria for Quality Documentation (AC10) shall be The allowable capacities of brackets connected to or
submitted. embedded in concrete shall provide values for systems

12
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

installed in the different concrete strengths that were a helical foundation system. The evaluation report shall
evaluated. Installation shall be limited to uncracked concrete state a minimum helical foundation shaft spacing of four
as defined in the applicable code. Allowable capacities for helix plate diameters to avoid group efficiency effects. The
direct load brackets shall clearly identify the construction minimum embedment depth for various loading conditions
details for which those capacities are applicable. For slab shall be included based on analysis and tested conditions.
support brackets, a table shall be provided showing The evaluation report shall indicate that Section 1808 of the
recommended bracket spacing for support of different slabs IBC shall apply to these products.
under different loading conditions as described in Section
6.8 Foundation and Soils Investigation Report: The
3.10.3. The table of capacities for brackets and shafts shall
evaluation report shall indicate that a site-specific foundation
indicate whether the structure to be supported has to be
and soils investigation report is required for proper
sidesway braced or rotationally fixed based on assumptions
application of these products. The foundation and soils
used in the design and testing of the product.
investigation report shall address corrosive properties of the
6.3 Shafts: Shaft capacities shall be tabulated for each soil to ensure that a potential pile corrosion situation does
size of shaft for the conditions of being braced or unbraced not exist. The foundation and soils investigation report shall
in soft and firm soils as applicable. The evaluation report address the support conditions for the shaft. The foundation
shall define these conditions by reference to Chapter 18 of and soils investigation report shall address the axial
the IBC. Standard penetration resistance blow count ranges compression, axial tension, and lateral load soil capacities
for firm and soft soils described in Section 3.11.2.1 of this if values cannot be determined from the evaluation report.
criteria shall be repeated in evaluation reports. The The foundation and soils investigation report shall address
evaluation report shall state that the shaft capacity of helical effects of groundwater and other questionable
foundations in fluid soils shall be determined by a registered characteristics.
professional engineer. For evaluation reports including
6.9 Installation: The evaluation report shall note any
provisions for lateral resistance, the structural properties of
special training or certification required for installation
the shaft shall be provided including gross area, section
professionals, equipment required for installation, and a
modulus, modulus of elasticity, maximum allowable bending
detailed description of proper installation techniques.
moment, and maximum allowable shear.
Requirements and procedures for quality assurance
6.4 Helices: Helix compression and tension capacities inspection of product installation shall be described,
shall be tabulated for each diameter, thickness, edge including procedures for field verification of ultimate
geometry, pitch, and material strength available. The maximum soil capacity for tension and compression through
evaluation report shall indicate that the capacities shall be correlations with final installation torque, as applicable. The
added together for products with multiple helix plates. evaluation report shall state that the torque induced in the
shaft shall not exceed the maximum installation torque. The
6.5 Soil Capacity: If a soils capacity-to-torque ratio was evaluation report shall state that for tension applications, the
validated, it shall be listed in the evaluation report along with pier shall be installed such that the minimum depth from the
the equations set forth in this acceptance criteria. Otherwise, ground surface to the uppermost helix is 12D, where D is the
the evaluation report shall indicate that soil capacity in diameter of the largest helix.
compression or tension needs to be determined by a
registered design professional. For lateral soil resistance, 6.10 Special Inspection: For installation, the evaluation
the evaluation report shall contain a table of capacities for all report shall state that special inspection in accordance with
soil types used in the lateral load testing. The evaluation Section 1704.9 of the IBC or Section 1701.5.11 of the UBC
report shall state that lateral soil resistance shall be is required. Where on-site welding is required, the
determined by a registered design professional for soil evaluation report shall state that special inspection in
conditions that differ from those shown in the table. accordance with Section 1704.3 of the IBC or Section
1701.5.5 of the UBC is required. The evaluation report shall
6.6 Materials: The evaluation report shall list the material state the items to be observed by the special inspector. At
composition, including steel grades, of system and device a minimum, these items shall include verification of
components. Minimum material specifications for structures manufacturer, helical pier and bracket configuration, the
to be supported on brackets included in the evaluation installation torque and depth of the foundation, and
report shall be included, as applicable. compliance of the installation of helical foundation system
6.7 Design: The evaluation report shall describe general with the approved construction documents and this
procedures for design and application of the helical evaluation report. In lieu of continuous special inspection,
foundation system or device and state whether bracket periodic special inspection in accordance with IBC Section
capacity is based on a braced or unbraced helical system or 1701.6.2 may be permitted when structural observations in
device in accordance with IBC Section 1808. An explanation accordance with IBC Section 1702, a periodic inspection
of the structural analysis that shall be performed by the schedule (prepared by the registered design professional),
design professional for proper application of the system or and evidence of installer training by the report holder are
device including consideration of the internal shears and provided to the code official.
moment due to structure eccentricity and maximum span 6.11 Identification: The evaluation report shall describe
between helical foundations shall be provided. The the identification method used by the manufacturer as set
magnitude of shear and moment forces exerted on the forth in Section 2.1.4.
structure due to the connection of the structure to the helical
foundation or device shall be provided. The results of this 6.12 Findings: The evaluation report shall list approved
analysis and the structural capacities shall be used to select manufacturing facilities and their inspection agencies.#

13
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

TABLE 1—REFERENCE STANDARD EDITIONS

STANDARD IBC UBC


ANSI AF&PA NDS 2005 1991 revised
AISC ASD AiSC 360-05 June 1, 1989
AISC LRFD AISC 360-05 March 16, 1991
AWS D1.1 2004 1992

TABLE 2—SOIL CAPACITY ANALYSIS/TEST REQUIREMENTS1

HELIX NUMBER OF SAND CLAY HARD NUMBER OF NUMBER OF


COMBINATION HELICES BEDROCK COMPRESSION TENSION
TESTS TESTS
Smallest diameter 1 C/T C 2 1
Largest Diameter 1 C/T C 2 1
Any two diameters 2 C/T C/T 2 2
Any three diameters 3 C/T C/T 2 2
Minimum Number of Tests Required 8 6
1
C = Compression; T = Tension.

TABLE 3—TORQUE CORRELATION CONFORMANCE CRITERIA

CRITERIA
1 Square shafts with dimensions between 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches and 1.75 inches by 1.75 inches, or round shafts with outside
diameters between 2.875 inches and 3.5 inches
2 True helix shaped plates that are normal with the shaft such that the leading and trailing edges that are within 1/4 inch of parallel.
3 Capacity is within normal capacity limits
4 Helix plate diameters between 8 inches and 14 inches with thickness between 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch.
5 Helix plates and shafts are smooth and absent of irregularities that extend more than 1/16 inch from the surface excluding connecting
hardware and fittings.
6 Helix spacing along the shaft shall be between 2.4 to 3.6 times helix diameter.
7 Helix pitch is 3 inches ± 1/4 inch.
8 All helix plates have the same pitch.
9 Helical plates are arranged such that they theoretically track the same path as the leading helix.
10 For shafts with multiple helices, the smallest diameter helix shall be mounted to the leading end of the shaft with progressively larger
diameter helices above.
11 Helical foundation shaft advancement equals or exceeds 85% of helix pitch per revolution at time of final torque measurement.
12 Helix piers shall be installed at a rate less than 25 revolutions per minute.
13 Helix plates have generally circular edge geometry.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

14
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

FIGURE 1—TYPE A SIDE LOAD APPLICATION

FIGURE 2—TYPE B DIRECT LOAD APPLICATION

15
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

FIGURE 3—TYPE C SLAB SUPPORT APPLICATION

FIGURE 4—TYPE D TENSION ANCHOR APPLICATION

16
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

(a) Rigid Shaft (b) Flexible Shaft (c) Combined Stiffness

FIGURE 5—TYPE A BRACKET FREE BODY DIAGRAMS

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

FIGURE 6—TYPE A BRACKET EXAMPLE LABORATORY TEST SET-UP

17
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

FIGURE 7—TYPE B BRACKET EXAMPLE LABORATORY TEST SET-UP

18
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

FIGURE 8—TYPE C BRACKET EXAMPLE LABORATORY TEST SET-UP

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

FIGURE 9—TYPE D BRACKET EXAMPLE TEST SET-UP

19
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

FIGURE 10—SHAFT TORSION EXAMPLE LABORATORY TEST SET-UP

FIGURE 11—SHAFT BENDING EXAMPLE LABORATORY TEST SET-UP

20
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

FIGURE 12—COUPLING RIGIDITY EXAMPLE LABORATORY TEST SET-UP

FIGURE 13—HELIX EXAMPLE LABORATORY TEST SET-UP

21

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