The primary difference between push piers and helical piers lies in how they are installed and how they transfer structural loads to the soil.

Push Piers

• Installation Method: These are hydraulically driven into the ground using the weight of the existing structure as resistance until they reach bedrock or stable strata.
• Load Transfer: They rely primarily on end-bearing capacity at the tip of the pier.
• Requirements: These typically require excavation around the footings and may need concrete curing time, which can extend the project timeline.

Helical Piers

• Installation Method: These feature screw-like plates and are rotated into the ground using hydraulic torque, similar to a large screw.
• Load Transfer: They gain immediate capacity through the bearing plates (helices) located along the shaft.
• Advantages: They offer immediate load-bearing capacity with no concrete curing time and cause minimal site disruption. They are often up to 66% faster to install in poor or weak soils.

Key Comparison Factors

• Soil Performance: Helical piers perform exceptionally well in the expansive clay soils found in the Colorado Front Range because they minimize soil disturbance. Push piers are often preferred for sites where deep excavation is already planned or for very heavy commercial loads.
• Equipment: Helical installations use lighter, more maneuverable equipment, making them ideal for tight residential spaces, whereas push piers require substantial reaction force from the building itself.