When to Choose CHANCE® Combo Piles for Soft Soils and Hard Rock
Choosing the right foundation is crucial, especially in poor soil or when supporting heavy loads. CHANCE® Combo Piles offer a hybrid solution that combines square-shaft leads with round-shaft extensions. This design improves lateral strength while cutting through rock and dense layers. It’s a smart alternative to traditional micropiles round helical piles or square-shaft-only helical piles. The system adapts well to both residential and commercial needs, especially where surface soils are soft or inconsistent. Thats why choosing CHANCE® Combo Piles for soft soils and hard rock is a great tool we often us at Utah Screw Pile and Helical Pier.
Soft and Saturated Surface Soils
Soft, saturated soils like those near lake beds, irrigation zones, or foothills along lake Bonneville, can weaken standard pile performance. CHANCE® Combo Piles overcome this utilizing two pile configurations: Square-Shaft and Round-Shaft.
By starting with a square shaft lead section, the pile can efficiently cut through dense material and rock layers. Once embedded, the design transitions to a round-shaft extension, which improves lateral resistance thanks to its greater bending stiffness and surface area. This hybrid solution balances strength, drivability, and long-term stability, making it ideal for sites where soft soils overlay solid rock.
Applications and Advantages
CHANCE® Combo Piles offer a versatile deep foundation solution for projects facing variable soil profiles, including those with soft top layers and hard rock below. By combining the penetrating power of a square shaft lead with the lateral and buckling resistance of a round shaft extension, these piles are a great option in challenging soils. Whether you’re supporting elevated walkways through a protected wetland or anchoring into unpredictable geologic conditions. CHANCE® Combo Piles provide a dependable option that simplifies construction and reduces the need for costly overdesign.
At Utah Screw Pile and Helical Pier, we’ve assisted using this method in the following areas around Utah:
- Water docks and wetlands footings – Provide stable point loads in soft soils while anchoring into competent bedrock, perfect for boardwalks, piers, and marshland structures.
- Light commercial buildings – Handle variable loads across mixed soil conditions without the need for excavation or concrete.
- Tower and pole foundations – Resist both uplift and lateral forces, even in high wind or seismic regions.
These piles not only provide strength and versatility but also minimize environmental impact by reducing excavation and waste. All CHANCE® Combo Pile hardware is hot-dip galvanized, offering protection against corrosion. This coating not only extends the life of the piles, but also minimizes the risk of leaching or material breakdown over time. Especially in wetlands, riversides, or our sensitive watersheds. The galvanized finish supports long-term structural integrity while helping to preserve the surrounding ecosystem through responsible design.
Engineering Collaboration for Soft Soils
It is essential to consult a qualified engineer to evaluate the suitability of CHANCE® Combo Piles for your specific project. Engineers will review site conditions and load requirements to ensure the foundation system meets all structural and safety standards. Utah Screw Pile works closely with engineers to act as certified installers, ensuring every project adheres to design specifications while delivering exceptional results.
Utah Screw Pile: Your Partner in Challenging Foundation Solutions
At Utah Screw Pile, we specialize in the installation of CHANCE® Combo Piles for soft soils and hard rock, providing a dependable alternative to traditional foundation systems. Our commitment to quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction ensures you receive a durable and cost-effective solution tailored to your needs. All of our installers are CHANCE® certified, which allows every project we are a part of to have a 30 year warrantee on piles we install.
Get Started Today
Are you ready to explore how CHANCE® Combo Piles can enhance your next project? Contact Utah Screw Pile today to discuss your foundation requirements. Call us, send an email, or fill out our website contact form to start planning a strong and reliable foundation for your structure.