Supportworks vs Ram Jack Helical Pier Decision
Why this matters
Supportworks (Model 288 and HP288/HP350 series) and Ram Jack (the 2-7/8 in and 3-1/2 in OD shaft series) are the two dominant manufacturer-engineered helical pier systems in U.S. residential underpinning. Both carry current ICC-ES Evaluation Service Reports. Both are sold through dealer networks rather than off-the-shelf retail. Both transfer building load through a steel shaft and helical plates to a competent bearing stratum. They differ in coupling style, certified capacity per shaft size, dealer-network constraints, installation torque correlation, and warranty terms. The choice is not "which is better" in absolute; it is which one fits the loading, the soil, the AHJ, and the dealer territory for this specific job.
The product families
Supportworks (a Foundation Supportworks Inc. line, parent Supportworks LLC) markets the Model 288 (2-7/8 in OD shaft), HP288 (heavy-duty 2-7/8 in), HP350 (3-1/2 in OD shaft), and Push Pier alternatives. Pier brackets include the Foundation Supportworks FSI 288B and FSI 350B residential underpinning brackets. ICC-ES ESR-1854 covers the helical pier line; the document is the legal engineering-of-record for the product capacity and installation tolerances. Supportworks installers are dealer-network only; a contractor must be a Supportworks Authorized Installer in good standing to access the warranty and to legally install the brand-branded system.
Ram Jack (Ram Jack Foundation Solutions, parent Ram Jack Systems Distribution LLC) markets the 2-7/8 in OD round shaft helical, the 3-1/2 in OD shaft, and a steel push pier line as alternatives. ICC-ES ESR-1854 also covers a Ram Jack helical line under the same broad ESR with manufacturer-specific tables; verify the current edition. Pier brackets include the Ram Jack 288 and 350 underpinning brackets. Ram Jack installers are dealer-network only on the same dealer-territory model as Supportworks.
Capacity per shaft size
For a single-helix 2-7/8 in OD round shaft with a 10 in helix plate installed to a torque correlation of 7,000 ft-lb in clay-loam soil, both manufacturers' ESR tables publish an allowable working compression load in the range of 18,000 to 24,000 lb. For a 3-1/2 in OD shaft in the same soil at the same torque, the published allowable jumps to 30,000 to 50,000 lb depending on helix configuration. These are ESR table values; the project PE or the manufacturer's standard design will set the actual allowable for the specific soil. Do not quote off generic capacity; pull the ESR table for the exact soil class and torque correlation.
Torque correlation
Both systems use the relationship Qu equals Kt times T (ultimate capacity equals a torque factor times average installation torque in the bearing stratum) per ICC-ES AC358. Kt for 2-7/8 in OD round shaft is typically 9 ft to the negative 1, for 3-1/2 in OD round shaft is typically 7 ft to the negative 1, with the exact value from the ESR table for the specific helix configuration. Field installers must record installation torque every foot in the final five feet of advance; the as-installed torque log is the legal proof the pier reached design capacity.
When to choose Supportworks
Loading per pier is in the 15,000 to 25,000 lb range and the dealer territory grants access. Project requires the Supportworks Push Pier alternate for a job where helicals cannot be advanced (rock-shallow soil, debris-fill soil) and the bracket interface needs to match. Supportworks Authorized Installer dealership is in place and the warranty path is direct. Customer or AHJ has named Supportworks specifically; some commercial specs and some PE templates are pre-written around the Supportworks bracket geometry.
When to choose Ram Jack
Loading is in the 20,000 to 50,000 lb range and the 3-1/2 in OD shaft is the right size. Job is in a Ram Jack dealer territory and the dealership is in good standing. Customer or AHJ has named Ram Jack specifically. Ram Jack's published brackets match the existing footing geometry better; on some shallow-footing slab houses the bracket cradle fits where the Supportworks bracket would require additional concrete removal.
When to choose neither
Neither product is the right call when: the project requires a non-standard load case (eccentric lateral plus axial, dynamic seismic load above prescriptive levels) that exceeds the ESR table conditions; the soil is documented to be sensitive marine clay or peat where helical advancement disturbs the bearing layer; the dealer network is dormant in the region (no installer within practical distance, no warranty path); the customer has explicitly rejected dealer-network products and wants an open-spec helical (Magnum Piering, Earth Contact Products, A.B. Chance) that can be installed by any qualified contractor.
Buy-vs-don't-buy: the installation tooling
A torque-monitored hydraulic drive head and a calibrated torque cell are the only tools that satisfy the AC358 installation-torque-log requirement. The Eskridge 20K drive head with an Intercomp ReadyForce torque transducer is the workhorse on residential jobs and is widely sold through dealer channels at a list price the dealer can confirm. A skid steer or mini excavator with auxiliary hydraulics matched to the drive head's flow and pressure spec is the carrier; using a too-small carrier reads false-high torque from cavitation and produces a non-conforming log. Buy the calibrated transducer rather than relying on the carrier's hydraulic pressure gauge; pressure-based torque estimates are routinely rejected by AHJ plan reviewers familiar with AC358.
A helical pier installation without a calibrated torque log is not code-compliant under ICC-ES AC358 and voids the manufacturer warranty regardless of brand. AHJs that accept the manufacturer's standard detail in lieu of a project PE stamp do so on the condition that the torque log is produced and signed by the installer. No log, no inspection sign-off, no warranty.
What goes in the file
Brand selected, with the trigger from the list above. Dealer territory confirmation (in good standing, dealer ID). ICC-ES ESR number and edition. Helix configuration, shaft size, anticipated torque, anticipated depth. PE stamp if required. Torque log from installation with foot-by-foot readings in the final 5 ft. Manufacturer warranty registration submitted within the registration window (typically 30 days from install).
References
- ICC-ES ESR-1854 Foundation Supportworks Helical Foundation Systems (current edition)
- ICC-ES AC358 Acceptance Criteria for Helical Pile Systems and Devices
- IRC Section R403.1 General footing requirements
- ASCE 32-01 Design and Construction of Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations
- Supportworks HP288/HP350 Engineering Manual (manufacturer publication)
- Ram Jack Engineering Manual and Installation Procedure (manufacturer publication)