Lateral loads on helical piers

[PrimeDirective]

Is it practical to support a basement wall on helical piers -- or are any special precautions necessary? The lateral load at the bottom of the basement wall will probably be more than the allowed lateral load on the piers, and the lateral stiffness of the piers is less than the stiffness of the wall itself. So I assume the piers provide negligible lateral resistance. I can assume the floor slab provides all the lateral resistance. But will visible cracks form in the wall as it yields slightly to compress against the expansion joint? Thanks.

 

[strainman]

Think about battering the piles, helical piles can be battered to resisit lateral loads.

 

[geoffdale]

This shouldn't be a problem. We did a project with about 5 kips lateral load on the piers, and I heard no complaints. It seems to have worked well also.

 

[hokie66]

I wouldn't depend on helical piles for lateral support unless some are battered.

If the slab on ground braces the wall, leave out the compressible gap material. Just turn the plastic up the face of the wall and pour the slab.

 

[PrimeDirective]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I really appreciate it.