Abstract:
This paper presents the Brazilian experience with the use of micropiles and helical piles crowned with steel caps and metallic blocks as foundation solutions for transmission line structures. Over the past years, these systems have been increasingly applied in projects involving difficult access, complex geotechnical conditions, environmentally sensitive areas, and tight construction schedules.
The study is based on several real projects carried out in different regions of Brazil, covering the entire process from planning and design to manufacturing, installation, and field control. The main technical and operational advantages observed in practice are discussed, such as fast execution, reduced environmental impact, flexible adaptation to variable soil conditions, and reliable structural behavior.
At the same time, the paper addresses the main challenges encountered during the implementation of these systems, including uncertainties associated with subsurface investigations, torque-capacity correlations, corrosion protection, construction tolerances, and logistical constraints, especially in remote areas.
The results obtained in the case studies show that both micropiles and helical piles with metallic caps are consistent, safe, and cost-effective foundation alternatives for transmission line projects in Brazil. The experience gathered contributes to the technical development of these solutions and supports their broader use in power transmission engineering.