Case Study: Validating Cantsink's Superior Helical Pile Installation Amidst Competitor Misrepresentation

Client: Home Builder X

Location: Atlanta, GA
Project Type: Full Foundation and Pool Support with Privacy Wall Reinforcement
Date: April 2019

Overview

Cantsink was contracted by Home Builder X to install helical piles for the entire home and pool structure at a high-end residential property in Atlanta, Georgia. With a required design load of 25 kips for both the home and pool, Cantsink installed deep foundation piles averaging 32 feet in depth to meet stringent load and soil conditions.

Due to scheduling constraints, Home Builder X allowed a third-party hardscape contractor to subcontract the privacy wall pile installation to Competitor A, (a leading helical pile installer in the metro Atlanta and surrounding areas). They claimed to meet the same structural standards at a significantly shallower depth. This deviation prompted a critical engineering dispute—ultimately resolved by an independent load test that reinforced the quality and reliability of Cantsink's installation approach.

The Challenge:

Cantsink was not given the opportunity to install helical piles for a privacy wall located 12 feet from the pool. The builder's hardscape contractor brought in Competitor A installed 20 piles at only 9 feet of embedment, claiming load capacities ranging from 30 to 40 kips—a surprising assertion given Cantsink's torque data and depth requirements for similar loads.

Home Builder X, concerned about the depth discrepancy and apparent performance differences, questioned Cantsink's methods and accused the team of overengineering the project. This presented a reputational risk and a potential breach in a valuable client relationship.

Cantsink's Response

To preserve the relationship and demonstrate transparency, Cantsink proposed a third-party static axial compressive load test. The conditions were clear:

• Competitor A would install an additional test pile.
  
  

• The pile would match the depth (approximately 9 feet) of the previously installed privacy wall piles.
  
  

• Cantsink would cover the cost of both the installation and an independent engineer to conduct the load test.\

Test Findings:

The load test was conducted on April 23, 2019. Their findings were conclusive:

• Test Pile Embedment: 9 feet
  
  

• Ultimate Load Capacity: 11.25 kips
  
  

• Allowable Working Load (Factor of Safety = 2): 5.6 kips
  
  

• Observed Deflection: Exceeded industry standards at loads beyond 10 kips
  
  

• Helix Shape: Observed to be truncated, missing ~20% of its area—potentially reducing performance
  
  

• Conclusion: Pile failed to meet claimed capacities of 30-40 kips
  
  

"Based on these observations, it is our opinion that this particular pile is only able to support an ultimate load of 11.25 kips…" — Lead Professional Engineer, The Foundation Firm.

The test not only discredited Competitor A's claims but also confirmed that shallow installation depths and questionable pile geometry had significantly limited structural performance.

Outcome

• Cantsink's engineering integrity was fully validated.
  
  

• Home Builder X acknowledged the value of proper pile installation, torque measurement, and engineering-based decisions.
  
  

• The relationship with Home Builder X remained strong; Cantsink continued to serve as their preferred helical pile installer.
  
  

• The incident served as a cautionary tale about unverified claims and the importance of tested and approved helical pile systems.
  
  

Key Takeaways

• Engineering Matters: Cantsink's deeper piles were essential to achieving the design load requirements. Torque-to-capacity correlations backed their methodology.
  
  

• Quality Assurance: Cantsink's willingness to validate their work via independent testing showcased professionalism and confidence in their process.
  
  

• Industry Education: Builders should verify installation depth, torque values, and load test results—particularly when evaluating third-party contractors.
  
  

Final Word

This case exemplifies why due diligence in helical pile installation—from torque readings to engineering verification—matters. While others may cut corners, Cantsink stands by tested performance, proven results, and long-term structural integrity. Contact Cantsink today for your personalized quote.