đGeoengineering Master Class #3
- deepexcavation
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Helical Pile Analysis Methods and Design Optimization Using DeepFND
Introduction
Helical piles are an efficient and versatile foundation solution, but their performance depends heavily on how they are designed. Decisions related to pile depth, number of helices, and helix diameter can significantly influence both capacity and project cost. For engineers, the challenge is not only to verify that a pile can carry the applied load, but also to determine which configuration provides that capacity in the most efficient way.
In this third episode of the Geoengineering Master Class, we focus on the analysis and optimization of helical piles using DeepFND. You will see how different analysis methods influence the governing capacity and how multiple pile configurations can be evaluated quickly within a single software environment to arrive at an optimized design.
Figure 1: Helical Pile Model Analysis in DeepFND
Example Overview and Video Walkthrough
In the accompanying Master Class video, we demonstrate a practical helical pile design scenario under a given axial load. The goal is to investigate how changes in helix configuration affect the required pile embedment depth and the controlling capacity mechanism.
The same pile is analyzed with three different helix configurations:
A pile with two helices (12 in and 14 in diameters)
A pile with two helices (14 in and 16 in diameters)
A pile with three helices (12 in, 14 in, and 16 in diameters)
Each configuration is placed in a separate model within the same DeepFNDÂ project file. This approach ensures that soil conditions, loading assumptions, and design parameters remain consistent, allowing for a direct comparison of results.
For each model, DeepFND calculates the optimum pile depth required to resist the applied axial load and reports the governing capacities using both implemented analysis methods. By reviewing these results side by side, you can clearly see how increasing helix diameter or adding additional helices influences pile length and overall efficiency.
This workflow reflects a common design question in practice:Is it better to install a deeper pile with fewer helices, or a shallower pile with more or larger helices?
Helical Pile Capacity Methods in DeepFND
DeepFND includes two established approaches for estimating the axial bearing capacity of helical piles: the Individual Plate Method and the Cylindrical Shear (Cylinder) Method. Each method is based on different assumptions regarding soil failure mechanisms, and either can govern depending on geometry and soil conditions.
The Individual Plate Method assumes that each helix acts independently. The total pile capacity is calculated as the sum of the bearing resistance provided by each individual plate, taking into account the depth, diameter, and soil properties at each helix level. This method often governs when helices are sufficiently spaced or when soil conditions limit interaction between plates.
The Cylinder Method assumes that the soil enclosed between the uppermost and lowermost helices fails as a single cylindrical mass. In this case, capacity is controlled by the shear resistance mobilized along the cylindrical failure surface. This approach can become critical when helices are closely spaced or when soil conditions promote interaction between plates.
Because these two methods represent different failure mechanisms, it is essential to evaluate both and design the pile based on the more critical result. DeepFND automatically performs both calculations and clearly identifies the governing condition, removing uncertainty and guesswork from the process.
Figure 2: Cylinder vs Individual Plate Method results in DeepFND
Why Optimization Is Critical in Helical Pile Design
In helical pile projects, both pile depth and helix configuration have direct economic implications. Deeper piles increase material and installation costs, while additional or larger helices affect fabrication and torque requirements. An efficient design finds the balance between these factors while still satisfying capacity requirements.
DeepFND allows you to explore this balance quickly by creating and analyzing multiple design alternatives within the same project. Instead of relying on trial-and-error calculations, you can systematically compare configurations and select the solution that delivers the required capacity with the least overall cost and complexity.
 Figure 3: Optimized pile depth for each examined configuration - DeepFND
Closing Remarks
This Master Class demonstrates how DeepFND helps engineers move beyond single-solution designs and toward informed optimization. By evaluating multiple helical pile configurations using both capacity methods in one software environment, you can make confident design decisions backed by clear, defensible results.
Let us show you how to reduce your design time by up to 90%!
