Text Box: A Helical Pier Foundation System was recently used at CFB Greenwood for Defence Construction Canada to support the Flight Deck Simulator and its surrounding building. This foundation system was chosen for its ability to efficiently carry high loads in poor soils and for its vibration free installation thus not disturbing adjacent structures containing sensitive computer equipment. The Helical Piers were not only expected to support normal building loads but more importantly, were required to resist the dynamic and gyrating loads imposed by the flight deck simulator of up to 70,000 lbs applied spasmodically in any direction. A geotechnical investigation was carried out which provided the necessary information for the design of the helical piers using the latest engineering software for deep foundations. The design required the use of 119 helical piers comprised of 1-3/4" RCS (round corner square shaft) with a 8",10",12" helix combination that had a mechanical rating of 100,000 lbs in either compression or tension. To increase lateral stability of the helical piers in extremely poor soils, the helical piers were encased in a column of microsil grout that was simultaneously installed as the helical pier was drilled into the ground. The installation torque was constantly monitored throughout the installation and extensions were added until the theoretical capacity of each helical pier was achieved. The helical piers were extensively tested in both compression and tension for up to two times the design load in accordance with ASTM standards. Technical reports were prepared including graphs of the load testing results and installation torque vs. depth with estimated capacities derived for each helical pier installed. The Helical Pier Foundation System proved to be ideally suited to support the Flight Deck Simulator and its building in extremely poor soils.
 
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