Profile: Empire Piers is a manufacturer of helical piers. Round shaft piers are used in compression applications. Helical piles have significant load bearing capacity and are used in both compression (downward) and tension (uplift) applications. In many cases, round shaft helical piers will be used in compression applications. Square shaft piers are used in tension (uplift) applications. Square shaft piers are used in tension (uplift) applications. Square shaft helical piers will be used for tension applications including the tilt-up market. Our full line of revolution pile drive heads is capable of delivering the power.