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How Helical Piles Help Prevent Frost Heave in Cold Climates
Frost heave is one of the most damaging forces affecting foundations in cold climates. When moisture in frost-susceptible soils freezes, it expands and generates upward pressure that can lift and progressively displace foundations—especially those supporting lightly loaded structures such as solar arrays, light poles, signs, and fencing. Over multiple freeze–thaw cycles, this movement can become cumulative and costly.
In a recent technical article sponsored by Chance® Foundation Solutions, renowned geotechnical engineer Dr. Alan J. Lutenegger, P.E., F.ASCE, explains why many traditional foundations struggle to resist frost heave—and how helical piles offer a more reliable alternative. Dr. Lutenegger is a leading authority on helical pile behavior, with decades of research and field experience in deep foundations.
Unlike drilled concrete piers, which can actually increase adfreeze forces as frozen soil bonds to their rough surfaces, helical pile foundations are installed below the frost line, transferring loads into stable, unfrozen soil. Their helical plates provide mechanical anchorage that resists both compression and uplift forces, making them especially effective for structures with limited dead weight.
Dr. Lutenegger also highlights why common mitigation methods—such as sleeves, coatings, or soil replacement—are often inconsistent or uneconomical compared to properly designed helical piles. With predictable capacity verified during installation and the ability to install year-round, helical piles have become a preferred solution for cold climate foundation design.
Keep reading to learn more about the engineering principles, design considerations, and real-world performance data discussed in the article:
👉 Click here to read the full article by Dr. Alan J. Lutenegger
By Chance Foundation Solutions
April, 2026
