Helical piles often present performance concerns, with limited lateral resistance and seismic ductility. The Fuller Pile® System, while installed similarly to helical piles, is a hybrid pile that meets the 2021 International Building Code. Its axial capacity is calculated and tested like any other cast-in-place pile system, relying on skin friction for geotechnical strength, not end bearing. All components are designed to meet code provisions, including seismic ductility, liquefaction, and kinematic load resistance.

Key Points:

• Helical piles have performance issues, leading many structural engineers to avoid them.
• Some jurisdictions, like California, prohibit helical piles for new construction due to seismic failure evidence.
• Helical piles lack lateral resistance, seismic detailing, and have questionable vertical capacities based on installation torque values.
• The Fuller Pile® System is not a “helical pile” but a hybrid pile, fully compliant with the 2021 International Building Code.
• Installation is similar to helical piles, but performance is independent of the installation method.
• Fuller Pile® System’s axial capacity is calculated and tested like other cast-in-place piles, with geotechnical strength from skin friction.
• All components designed and detailed to meet code provisions, including seismic ductility, liquefaction, and kinematic load resistance.