---
title: Evaluating Utility Foundations During Storm Restoration
description: Rising water can damage existing transmission line and substation utility foundations. It's critical to inspect drilled shafts and driven piles after a storm.
---

[Hubbell Power Systems Blog ](https://blog.hubbell.com/en/hubbellpowersystems)

# [Evaluating Utility Foundations During Storm Restoration](https://blog.hubbell.com/en/hubbellpowersystems/evaluating-utility-foundations)

 Written by [Hubbell Power Systems](https://blog.hubbell.com/en/hubbellpowersystems/author/hubbell-power-systems) | Sep 10, 2018 5:45:00 PM

Rising water can damage or weaken existing transmission line and substation utility [foundations](https://www.hubbell.com/hubbellpowersystems/en/Products/Power-Utilities/Anchoring-Foundations/cl/548034). In flooded areas, drilled shafts and driven piles need to be inspected to determine if damage has occurred as a result of erosion. Here’s what you need to check:

1. **Capacity** - Drill shaft and other foundations can experience reduced capacity when water table rises 
2. **Exposure** - Inspect for erosion/scour that exposes drilled shaft or driven pile foundations. Exposed <https://blog.hubbell.com/hubfs/Guy%20Anchors%20and%20Foundation%20infographic-02.jpg>shafts can result in reduced capacity.  Increased exposed shaft can compromise uplift/lateral/bearing capacity 
3. **Damage** - Inspect structure for damage caused by flooding. Differential settlement and rotation may have occurred during the storm event or as a result of the storm event.  

Utility crews can do a few things when repairing structures after a storm. Solutions include:

- Augmentation of existing foundation using helical piles
- Build a new foundation using helical piles and [steel grillages](http://videos.hubbellpowersystems.com/detail/video/5230712118001/chance-grillage-solutions---hubbell-power-systems?autoStart=true&q=grillage)

These solutions require an engineered solution. Our staff of registered professional engineers work with transmission line owners and their consulting firms to help match helical pile design to site-specific soil conditions and load requirements. For this free service, contact your Hubbell Territory Manager today.

<https://blog.hubbell.com/hubfs/Content%20Campaigns/Storm%20Response/Guy%20Anchors%20and%20Foundation%20infographic%20Updated.jpg>

[View full post](https://blog.hubbell.com/en/hubbellpowersystems/evaluating-utility-foundations)

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