Free Estimate
Financing
Commercial Solutions
Maintenance
Bill Pay
Commercial Case Study • Union Gap, Washington
Helical Pier Installation in Union Gap, WA
A commercial deep-foundation project using helical lead sections and extensions to create support for new transformer equipment.
Project Overview
Commercial Helical Piers for New Transformer Support
This Union Gap, Washington project documented TerraFirma installing helical piles for new transformer support. The project photos show helical lead sections, 7-foot extensions, hydraulic installation equipment, and the connection process used as the piles were advanced into the ground.
The original project documentation identifies Pacific Corp and Christenson Electric as project partners and describes the work as a pre-construction helical-pile installation. Because the historic page title and one photo caption reference different pier quantities, this updated case study focuses on the verified installation process rather than repeating an uncertain total.
Project Snapshot
- Location: Union Gap, WA
- Application: New transformer support
- System: Helical piles with extensions
- Installation: Hydraulic drive equipment
- Project type: Commercial pre-construction support
- Documented partners: Pacific Corp and Christenson Electric
The Installation
How the Helical Pile System Was Advanced
The documented installation sequence begins with a helical lead section. After the lead section is mechanically driven into the ground, 7-foot extensions are connected and the assembly is advanced farther. The historic project notes describe continuing this process until the installation reaches the support conditions required for the new transformer foundations.
01
Lead Section
The helical lead section starts the pile and is driven into the ground with hydraulic equipment.
02
Extension Connection
Seven-foot extensions are bolted to the lead section so the pile can continue deeper into the soil.
03
Continued Advancement
The pile is advanced with additional extensions as required by the project installation criteria.
Project Photos
Helical Pile Installation in Union Gap
These original project images document the equipment, lead sections, extension connections, and completed pre-construction pile installation.
Commercial Foundation Solutions
Why Helical Piles Work Well for Pre-Construction Support
Helical piles are a versatile deep-foundation system used in both new construction and retrofit applications. They can support structural loads and can be installed with equipment sized to suit the project. For commercial work, this flexibility can make helical piles useful where a project calls for deep support with controlled installation methods.
Commercial Foundation Repair
Explore TerraFirma’s commercial foundation services for industrial, institutional, civic, and other complex projects.
Foundation Pier Systems
Learn more about TerraFirma’s helical pier and other foundation-pier solutions used for structural support.
Helical Pier Project Questions
What is a helical pile?
A helical pile is a deep-foundation element with helical plates that is advanced into the ground with hydraulic equipment. It can be used for new construction or retrofit applications when a project requires support below the surface soils.
Why are extensions added to helical piles?
Extensions allow the helical pile to continue deeper after the lead section has been installed. On this Union Gap project, the documented extensions were 7 feet long.
What was supported by the Union Gap helical pile project?
The original project documentation states that the helical piles were installed to provide support for new transformer equipment.
Can helical piles be used for commercial construction?
Yes. Helical piles are used in commercial applications for new supports, existing structures, retaining systems, equipment additions, and other applications where project conditions call for deep-foundation support.
How are helical piles installed?
Helical piles are rotated into the ground using hydraulic installation equipment. The equipment can vary by application, and extensions can be added as the pile advances.
Does TerraFirma provide commercial helical pile solutions?
TerraFirma provides commercial foundation solutions throughout Oregon and Washington, including helical piles, micropiles, push piers, and concrete lifting for applicable projects.
Planning a Commercial Foundation Project?
Talk with TerraFirma about commercial helical piles and other foundation solutions for projects throughout Oregon and Washington.
