Helical Piles for Residential Structures: A Building Inspector’s Perspective

This course is an overview of the State of Minnesota amendments for the 2020 Residential Code. It will focus on administrative process and specific code sections throughout the International Residential Code (IRC) that have been amended by the State of Minnesota.

It will not address all of the IRC specific amendments nor any amendments related to electrical, HVAC, or plumbing.

Course Outline

• Administrative and Introduction 

  Concrete Pier Foundation Systems
  •    Traditional concrete pads and piers 
  •    Wall Bracing the Posts
  •    Fasteners

  Pin Pile Systems
  •    History
  •    Evaluation reports and 3rd party testing
  •    Unique installation requirements

  Helical Piles
  •    What types of structures
  •    Special considerations for houses
  •    Advantages and disadvantages
  •    How are helical piles addressed in the code
  •    Acceptance Criteria and Evaluation Reports

  
  Minnesota Design Criteria
  •    Considerations for frost, live and dead loads and wind loads

  Building Permit Application Process
  •    Submittal documents
  •    Soil considerations
  •    Alternative Materials and Methods of Construction

  Installation and Inspection of Helical Pile Foundation System
  •    Installation methods and equipment
  •    Torque reports
  •    Summary
   

Learner Objectives

• Upon completion participants should be able to:
  •    Have a better understanding of conventional foundation systems for residential structures 
  •    Have more clarity with the proper use and application of helical pile systems approved as an Alternative Methods & Materials in the building code
  •    Have a better understanding of Evaluation reports from the ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), IAPMO Uniform Evaluation Service (UES) and other third-party testing agencies
  •    Be able to locate appropriate building code provisions

Testimonials

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Quiz Info

In order to receive continuing education credit(s), you will need to take a 10-question quiz after each hour of the course. To pass each quiz, you will need to achieve a score of 70% or higher. If you are unsuccessful, you will have an opportunity to repeat the quiz. Once you have successfully completed the course, you can download your continuing education certificate(s) showing the credit(s) that you have earned.

Credit Info

This course has been approved for three hours of MN residential contractor, remodeler, and building official continuing education by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry and includes the required Energy credit. 

If you are eligible to receive continuing education credits, your information will be electronically reported to the appropriate agency within 3 business days of course completion.

Access Info

Your online course is accessible 24/7. The course will be available to you for 180 days from the purchase date.

Questions and Comments

Questions and comments related to the curriculum for this course may be submitted to the instructor at education@housingfirstmn.org.