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Advancing Utility Foundations with PierTech™ Steel Utility Grillages
by PierTech Systems
August 2025
As utility owners and
EPC contractors continue to face mounting pressure to deliver projects faster, safer, and at lower cost, foundation solutions must evolve to meet these demands. PierTech™ Steel Utility Grillages are one such innovation—a modular, above-grade foundation interface that redefines how utilities approach transmission and substation projects.
Engineering Simplified Foundations
Traditionally, utility foundations required excavation, concrete curing, and extended mobilization. These steps add time, risk, and cost—especially in difficult terrain or weather-limited construction seasons. The PierTech Utility Grillage eliminates these barriers by providing a direct connection between deep foundation piles and above-grade utility structures.
Each grillage is pre-engineered from high-strength structural steel to distribute both vertical and horizontal loads across multiple piles. Configurations can accommodate 3 to 16 piles per assembly, with capacities ranging from 5 to 350 kips vertical and moments up to 22,000 kip-ft. This modularity allows grillages to support transmission towers, substation skids, cellular infrastructure, and pipeline supports with predictable, engineer-approved performance.
Installation Without Excavation or Concrete
One of the most significant advantages is that grillages install entirely above grade—no excavation or concrete required. Crews can deploy them with light equipment in virtually any weather, as long as conditions are safe for personnel. This not only shortens schedules by eliminating curing delays, it also reduces environmental disturbance and avoids costly archaeological permitting.
Because grillages are factory-assembled and galvanized to ASTM A123 standards, contractors gain both speed and 
long-term durability. The system is ready for immediate load testing when paired with helical piles, further accelerating project timelines.
Adaptable to Site Conditions
Versatility is a hallmark of the PierTech Utility Grillage. Bolt patterns and interfaces are custom-engineered to match the exact requirements of poles, towers, or equipment platforms. Elevation differences across piles can be accommodated within the same assembly, making the system highly effective in uneven or constrained sites.
Benefits at a Glance
- Speed: Rapid installation without concrete or curing delays.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduced mobilization and logistics requirements.
- Environmental Stewardship: Minimal disturbance to sensitive terrain.
- Structural Reliability: Predictable steel properties and engineered safety factors.
- Engineering Support: PE-stamped drawings and load analyses available.
Powering Tomorrow’s Infrastructure
From transmission line towers and substations to cellular towers and pipeline infrastructure, the PierTech Utility Grillage is delivering measurable advantages for utilities working in both routine and extreme environments—marshlands, coastal zones, regulated terrain, and even emergency stabilization scenarios.
PierTech has created a foundation solution that meets the realities of today’s utility construction: faster timelines, leaner budgets, and higher reliability.
For more information:
PierTech Systems
17813 Edison Ave.
Suite 100
Chesterfield, MO 63005
636-536-5007