Helical Pile Load Calculator

Live results update as you type. Quick screening for helical pile sizing — cohesive-soil method.

1 · Load & Safety
Enter the working (allowable) load in kips.
2 · Shaft & Helix Configuration
Tip: helices normally step up in size from the tip (e.g. 10"–12"–14").
TMG helical starter drawing
3 · Project Info (for the printout)
Helical Pile Load Calculation
Project
Address / city
Date
Shaft
Helix configuration
Required loads
Factor of safety
Required installation torque
ft-lb
Ultimate capacity
kips
Details
Required loads (comp / tension)
Working load × FS ×
Torque factor Kt (ICC-ES AC358) /ft
Helix bearing area, total ft²
Minimum soil blow count (N) required
Implied soil cohesion (su ≈ 125·N) psf
Project
Qult = P × FS
T = Qult ÷ Kt
Ttension = (Pt ÷ 0.90) × FS ÷ Kt  (uplift = 90% of compression capacity, Perko 2009)
Ah = π⁄4 · (D² − d²) ⁄ 144  (per helix)
Nreq = 8 · Qult ⁄ (9 · 1000 · ΣAh)
su = 125 · N
Qult = Nc · su · ΣAh  (Nc = 9, bearing check)
Qallow = Qult ÷ FS
Bearing model: Qult = Nc · su · ΣAh with Nc = 9 (cohesive soils). P in kips is converted to pounds (×1000) for torque and soil checks.

Assumptions: cohesive-soil quick screen — bearing on helix plates only, no shaft friction, no depth or groundwater effects, torque per ICC-ES AC358 default Kt for round shaft. This is a preliminary screening tool, not an engineered design. Final designs must be reviewed and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer.

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