The principle of the SpiraLift is most easily described as the insertion of an horizontal spiral coil of metal (Fig #1), "similar to a giant slinky", between successive vertical spirals of metal "similar to a coil of large size steel strapping". The result, Fig #2, is a continous spiral tube of successive substantially "I" shaped cross sections.
The resulting assembly is a structurally sound , strong and very stable column that can support huge load. Fig #3 shows the groove in the horizontal slinky which ensure a precise location of the vertical band.