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Chapter 2
Helical Foundation Systems
CHAPTER 2
HELICAL FOUNDATION SYSTEMS
outside diameters (O.D.) of 2.875 inches and
smaller have external welded couplers while
3.5-inch O.D. and 4.5-inch O.D. shafts have
external detached and internal detached couplers,
respectively. FSI offers larger diameter helical piles
by special order with shaft sizes up to 12 inches.
These largerdiameterpiles; e.g., 6.625-inch, 7-inch,
10-inch and 12-inch O.D., may be designed
with external detached couplers, internal
detached couplers or connections with complete
joint penetration welds
(Figure 2.3.2.1.f)
.
Allofthesesystemsaredesignedandmanufactured
to strict tolerances to allow the pile shafts to be
in direct contact when coupled, similar to
Figure
2.3.2.1.g
. Why is this important? Except for product
with joint penetration welds at the couplings, the
load path for piles under compression is then
directly through the shafts of the extensions and
lead section without having to pass through welds
and bolts at each connection. The annular space
between the pile shaft and coupler is also kept as
tight as practical to maintain pile rigidity while also
providing connections that are easily joined in the
field
(Figures 2.3.2.1.h1 and 2.3.2.1.h2)
.
Figure 2.3.2.1.h1
FSI external welded coupler
Figure 2.3.2.1.h2
FSI external detached coupler
Figure 2.3.2.1.g
Coupler detail showing
shaft contact within coupler
Figure 2.3.2.1.f
FSI HP700 with complete
joint penetration welds between sections