Alternative to concrete footers for deck

[Senorwanderer]

Hey there!

I'm really enjoying spending a lazy Saturday reading through all these great posts. I'm planning on building a large (30') yurt for year round living and I'm getting lots of great ideas.

Even before finding this site my research for the deck construction led me to seek alternatives to traditional wood and concrete. I'm planning on a very large deck that can be used as additional living space in the warmer months and a deck that is 40' x 40' or larger would require some serious footings and big lumber to complete. I've decided to go with steel construction for the deck and in doing that research I came across what I hope will be a useful solution to avoiding concrete footers. I absolutely abhor concrete and the affects it has on our environment. Add in the cost and time to dig what I'm guessing will be some massive holes and it's a non-starter.

The alternative is called a Helical Pile. They're essentially a cork-screw like metal support that is drilled into the ground and then can be tested on site for proper load bearing capabilities. I'm about a year from actually starting the project but I hope I'll be able to use them. Might be a good alternative for folks.

here's a link to an article I found on a website for professional deck builders:
http://www.deckmagazine.com/design-c...-foundations_o

I didn't find any reference to them in a search so I thought I'd share.

Thanks again for the great resource!