Foundations · Pile capacity

Helical (screw) pile capacity calculator

Compression capacity as the sum of helix bearing (c Nc + q′ Nq) plus torque-correlated capacity for comparison.

Standard: Individual plate bearing method · torque correlation (Perko)

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Inputs in the worked example

The live calculator starts with these values; change any of them and every result, check and diagram updates instantly.

InputValueUnit
Helix diameter450mm
Number of helices2
Depth of lowest helix6m
Helix spacing1.35m
Undrained strength / c′0kPa
φ′32°
Effective unit weight10kN/m³
Installation torque15kNm
Torque factor Kt231/m
Factor of safety2

Worked example — results

ResultValueUnit
Helix area0.159m²
Nq23.18
Mean helix depth5.33m
Σ Ah (9c + γ z Nq)392.6kN
Torque capacity Kt T345.0kN
Allowable min(Qh, Qt)/FS172.5kN
z 6 ms 1.35Qh 393 kNQt 345 kNQa 173 kN
Diagram for the worked example

Method, formulas and assumptions

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For preliminary design and education. Check every result against the current standard and your own engineering judgement before use.