Foundation Repair Methods

Expert Foundation Repair Method

Foundation repair has evolved from a shallow concrete pad, to bell-bottom piers, to pressed-segmented pilings and now to the Precision Piling System that provides superior lateral strength for better alignment during installation and for the life of the structure. The Precision Piling System carries a lifetime transferable warranty for the life of the structure. Contact Structural Solutions, LLC in Ridgeland, MS for more information and to schedule a consultation. We can be reached at 601-607-7277.

Cracks in Sheetrock — Crack in Old Brick Wall in Ridgeland, MS

Our Patented System on Precision Pilings

Precision pilings pdf:

System Diagram

Figure B: Typical 7000 psi, pre-cast concrete cylinder piling segment with concentric channel. 12" length x 6" diameter with 5/8" channel.

Figure C: 12" long 1/2" diameter steel connecting rod with plate

Figure D: 12" long 1/2" diameter steel connecting rod without plate

Figure E: Starter Cylinder with 50% penetration channel

Figure F: Detail of starter segment, connecting rod and next segment

Figure A: Existing building foundation with complete underpinning assembly

Steel Shim plates

7000 psi concrete support blocks

7000 psi piling cap

Segmented piling driven under existing foundation with connecting rods installed between each segment.

NOT DRAWN TO SCALE

Advantages

All the advantages of simple pressed pilings and steel piers.
Repair is developed for your needs.
Depth ofis easily verified.
Theprovides superior lateral strength to insure straight alignment in the prevention of horizontal movement.
Small surface area supporting the structure for prevention of upheaval.
City inspectors, engineers and you can verify job performance.
Pilings are tested during installation (concrete and soil) to insure future performance.
Safety factor provided by the driving load versus the support load combined with thixotropy insures the pilings future performance.
Installs directly under the footer unlike the other systems.
Can be installed in interior of the structure.

Foundation Repair Methods

Concrete Pad

Steel Piers

Advantages
1. Speed and ease of installation.
2. Load can be tested during installation.
3. Steel pipe can be installed at much greater depth.
4. Not as traumatic for vegetation.
Disadvantages
1. Material costs are unnecessarily greater. This cost is passed onto you, the customer.
2. Extensive corrosion of steel pipe in some soils; especially near the surface in disturbed fill soils.
3. The circumference of steel piers is smaller (less than 3") therefore problems may occur with flex (bow) due to inadequate stiffness.
4. The inherent slenderness of the pier requires that you drive to greater depths to insure adequate skin friction, which creates problems with alignment.
5. Supports the structure indirectly rather than directly as in other methods.

Helical Piers

Advantages
1. Can be used for underpinning and retaining wall anchoring.
2. Extensive technical support and engineering case studies.
3. No concrete needed on site.
4. Most jobs are completed in two to three days.
5. Wide variety of mounting brackets and pier shaft diameters, allowing different solutions in residential and commercial applications.
Disadvantages
1. Performance is not determined by the capacity of the steel shafts.
2. Extensive corrosion of steel pipe in some soils; especially near the surface in disturbed fill soild.
3. Pier buckling is severe problem. Best performance is limited to stable soils.
4. The load of the structure cannot determine depth requirements.
5. False torque readings in installations notes are common without careful supervision.
6. Prices of steel, equipment, and supervision needed for this system can make it cost prohibitive.

Concrete Piers

(8 to 12 feet)

Advantages
1. Permanent solution when properly installed.
2. Depth can be verified.
3. Soils can be checked visually.
4. Alignment can be visually verified.
5. Concrete is steel renforced.
6. A bell can be added to the bottom of the shaft and will significantly increase the bearing capability, but significantly complicates the installation and therefore reliability.
Disadvantages
1. Most pier failures occur because piers are not properly installed (size, debris or moisture can affect performance.)
2. Soils are not properly identified.
3. Takes 2-4 weeks to complete job.
4. Mess of pouring concrete plus time delays can cause expensive loss or damage to plants.
5. Same design for all structures regardless of size or soils.

Simple Pressed Piling

(Depths limited w/o alignment)

Advantages
1. Depth requirement can be determined by the load of the structure being raised.
2. Soils are tested by driving the pilings into the soils.
3. Concrete is tested under the load it is requred to support.
4. Pre-cured/tested concrete enables immediate leveling of the structure. Most jobs are completed ina few days.
5. Site cleanliness and rapid turnaround time, save destruction of valuable vegetation.
Disadvantages
1. Proper installation cannot be verified.
2. Alignement is impossible given below ground obstructions.
3. No reinforcement to prevent shifting of cylinders (vertical or horizontal) after work is completed and soil moisture changes.
4. City cannot inspect due to time requirement. Therefore, inspectors must be paid by the company performing the work or not at all.

Pressed Piling System with Cable

Advantages
1. All the advantages of simple pressed pilings and steel piers.
2. Custom fitted for your home, with all the guarantees of alignment using the cable.
3. Depth can be verified by measuring the cable extension.
4. The cable has a tensile strength of 200,000 p.s.i. versus 40,000 p.s.i. rebar used in other systems.
5. The cable controls horizontal movement.
6. The entire pile system is locked together with the cable. This enables the lower portion of the piling to act as an anchor preventing upheaval during wet periods (much like the under-ream on a pier).
7. City inspectors, engineers and you personally can verify job performance.
8. Pilings are tested during installation (concrete and soil) to insure future performance.
9. Safety factor provided by the driving load versus the support load combined with thixotropy insures the pilings future performance.
10. Installs directly under the footer unlike the other systems.
11. It can be installed in interior of home.
Disadvantages
1. Lack of lateral strength for prevention of horizontal movement and proper alignment.