Case Study: How Helical Piles Secured Soft Coastal Soils in Yachats, OR

Quick Summary: Facing soft coastal soils in Yachats, OR, Ram Jack West installed 46 helical piles driven into deep load-bearing strata to replace ineffective concrete footings, completing the job on time and within budget.

During a pre-construction geotechnical investigation in coastal Yachats, Oregon, soil analysis revealed extremely soft, unstable surface soils within the building footprint. Traditional concrete footings were incapable of bearing the intended structural loads.

Ram Jack West partnered with the general contractor and engineering team to engineer and execute a deep foundation strategy using 46 helical piles, bypassing weak surface soils and locking directly into load-bearing strata.

Project Overview at a Glance

Parameter	Project Details
Location	Yachats, Oregon (Coastal Environment)
Primary Challenge	Highly compressible / soft surface soils
Solution Installed	46 Ram Jack Helical Piles
Primary Advantage	Rapid installation, zero cure-time wait, minimal soil disruption
Key Stakeholders	Ram Jack West, General Contractor, Geotechnical Engineers

The Location and Challenge

Yachats, a coastal town in Oregon, is known for its beautiful landscapes but also for its challenging soil conditions. The construction project in question involved building a new structure in an area where the soil was too soft to support the required capacities, as revealed by a geotechnical investigation.

The primary challenge of this project was the discovery of very soft soils within the building footprint. Such conditions necessitated a deep foundation solution to ensure the stability and longevity of the structure. Traditional methods like concrete footings were not an option, leading the project team to consider helical piles as the best solution.

How Geotechnical Investigation Revealed Unstable Coastal Soils

A thorough geotechnical investigation was conducted to assess the soil conditions at the site. The findings confirmed that the surface soils were too weak to support the new structure, requiring a deep foundation to transfer the load to more stable soil layers below.

Engineering Specifications and Requirements

Based on the soil analysis, the engineering team developed specific requirements for the foundation. These included the use of helical piles to provide the necessary support for the structure. The specifications detailed:

Pile size
Installation depth
Load-bearing capacity needed to meet the project’s demands

Ram Jack West: The Helical Piles Solution Provider

Expertise & Collaboration

Ram Jack West was brought on board for their expertise in helical piles installation. With years of experience and a reputation for delivering quality results, they were the ideal choice to tackle the foundation challenges posed by the Yachats project.

One of the key factors in the success of this project was the collaboration between Ram Jack West, the engineering team, and the general contractor. This teamwork ensured that the installation of the helical piles met all specifications and that the project stayed on track.

Execution & Process

Equipment and Techniques Used: Ram Jack West utilized state-of-the-art equipment to install the 46 helical piles required for the project. The process involved driving the piles deep into the ground until they reached a stable layer of soil, ensuring that the structure would be well-supported.
Meeting the Project Timeline: Despite the challenges presented by the site conditions, Ram Jack West completed the installation within the general contractor’s timeline. Their ability to work efficiently while maintaining high standards was crucial in ensuring the project’s success.
Subcontractor Coordination: An often overlooked but essential aspect of any construction project is the coordination between various subcontractors. Ram Jack West worked closely with all other teams involved, ensuring that each phase of the project proceeded smoothly and on schedule.

Why 46 Helical Piles Were Chosen Over Concrete Footings

Project Success

The installation of the helical piles was a resounding success. The general contractor and engineering team were highly satisfied with the outcome, praising Ram Jack West for their professionalism and expertise. The project was completed on time, within budget, and met all the required specifications.

Long-Term Benefits of Helical Piles

The use of helical piles not only resolved the immediate challenge of soft soils but also provided a long-term foundation solution. The new structure is now supported by a deep foundation that will ensure its stability and durability for years to come.

Conclusion

The Yachats, OR project is a prime example of how helical piles can solve complex foundation challenges. Thanks to the expertise of Ram Jack West and the collaboration with engineers and contractors, the project was completed successfully, ensuring the stability and longevity of the new structure. By understanding the role of helical piles and the importance of a well-coordinated construction process, you can enhance your own projects and achieve outstanding results.

Helical Piles FAQs

What are helical piles, and when should they be used?

Helical piles are steel foundation solutions used to support structures in areas with weak or unstable soil. They are ideal for projects where traditional foundations may not be sufficient.

How do helical piles differ from traditional concrete footings?

Unlike concrete footings, helical piles are driven deep into the ground and can reach stable soil layers or bedrock, providing more reliable support in challenging conditions.

Why was Yachats, OR a challenging location for construction?

Yachats, OR, has soft soils that are not strong enough to support standard foundations, making it necessary to use deep foundation solutions like helical piles.

What role did Ram Jack West play in the Yachats project?

Ram Jack West provided expertise in the installation of helical piles, ensuring the project met all engineering specifications and was completed on time.

Request Your Free Inspection Now

Ram Jack - the foundation repair experts near you

Eugene, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Seattle, Washington

services

about us

offices