How Are Piers Installed During Foundation Repair?

Steps on How Piers are Installed

In the Dallas/Fort Worth area, concrete pressed pilings are the most widely used method of foundation repairs for slab foundations. In fact, this type of pier was specifically designed for the expansive clay soils that are common to the DFW area. Here is a closer look at how piers are installed during foundation repair.

Digging the Hole

First, a two-foot square hole is dug by hand with a shovel. This hole will typically be four or five feet below ground level and will extend under the grade beam.

Installing the Cylinders

After the hole is dug and the grade beam is exposed, a pre-formed concrete cylinder is placed at the bottom of the hole directly beneath the grade beam. A hydraulic ram is then placed between the bottom of the grade beam and top of the concrete cylinder. The ram will be engaged pressing the cylinder into the dirt. Cylinders will be added and pressed until the point of refusal (where it takes more force to press the pilings deeper than it does to lift the house.)

Fitting with a Cap

After the pilings are pressed to refusal, they will be then be fitted with a concrete cap and additional cylinders. The house will then be lifted using bottle jacks to as near its original position as possible while minimizing unacceptable damage to the foundation or the structure. After the house is lifted, concrete blocks or steel shims are used to fill the gap between the grade beam and the piling and then the holes are backfilled and compacted.

If you feel your home may be experiencing foundation problems, call Structured Foundation Repairs, Inc. today. We are an industry-leading foundation repair companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Contact us online or call us today at 972-484-1200.