Performance of helical piles in oil sand

The results of a comprehensive pile load-test program and observations from field monitoring of helical piles with either a single helix or double helixes installed in oil sand are presented in this paper. Eleven full-scale pile load tests were carried out including axial compression, uplift, and lateral load tests. The results of the full-scale load tests are used to develop a theoretical design model for helical piles installed in oil sand. Test results confirm that the helical pile is a viable deep foundation option for support of heavily loaded structures. The test results also demonstrated that circular-shaft helical piles can resist considerable lateral loads.