A helical anchor/pile is a segmented deep foundation system with helical bearing plates welded to a central steel shaft. Load is transferred from the shaft to the soil through these bearing plates. Helical anchors are excellent tension piles. They also work well for underpinning and can be load tested very economically once installed.

Due to the design of the helical pile, they are screwed into the ground. This creates very little disturbance to the soil. They can also be removed if required. This type of pile system can be ideal in areas of ecological importance. For example  they can be used to support walkways in environmentally sensitive areas with very little disturbance and removed afterwards if required.