CSLB 991221 Structural Rehabilitation
www.FoundationTechnology.com
CASE STUDY An Argument for Piers
Foundation Tech, Inc. and Earth Contact Products
Foundation Technology was hired to reevaluate a residential structure that was experiencing settlement two years after a previous company had performed repairs. The house was experiencing the same cracks and uneven floors as before. the homeowner estimated the floor has settled more than three inches. The previous repair method included concrete pads constructed underneath the complete length of the original footing in efforts to bolster support and stop settlement from occurring. Upon investigation, our team determined that the foundation had again settled three inches along the back of the property, fracturing the slab along the centerline/ridgeline of the house, and causing substantial interior wall cracking.
After measurement utilizing a ZipLevel elevation differential tool, and review of the recently ordered soils report, we concluded that ECP PPB-300 push resistance piers would not only support the structure and eliminate future settlement, we could also lift the foundation back within acceptable tolerance for the homeowner. The soils report determined that there was a high potential for settlement due to expansive soils and an elasticity index of 40. With California experiencing severe drought conditions, coupled with the occasional torrential rains, and low laying location of the property, additional settlement was likely. Prior to repair, the homeowner excavated a large trench around his property to expose all the concrete pads, installed by the prior repair contractor. Based on our measurements and observations, the massive weight of the thirty extra tons of concrete attached to the bottom of the existing footing appeared more detrimental than help Load calculations based on the original structure was to install ECP PPB-300 push piers at a span of 4.5 feet along the rear and sides of the structure. Since all push piers are ‘proof load’ tested for load capacity, our crew, and the homeowner knew the ECP pier installation would be the last foundation repair he would need to pay for. Foundation Tech, Inc. d.b.a. Foundation Construction Technology/Foundation Technology 25217 Anza Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Toll Free. 855.650.2211 Local. 661.294.1313 Foundation and Structural Rehabilitation/ Below Grade Waterproofing
Commercial
Residential
Industrial
Municipal
Hospitality
A total of 24 piers were installed to an average depth of 34 feet. For extra support, at the request of the homeowner, inertia support tubes were installed, in each pier, providing additional stability.
All ECP push piers are ‘proof load’ tested to ensure maximum support is achieved. This provides guaranteed results!
After installation, all piers were connected to a patented manifold lift system that allows for even hydraulic flow to all lift cylinders equally and precisely measured, to ensure a steady and level lift. ZipLevel elevation readings were taken throughout the interior during the lift process, giving the homeowner assurances his floor would be level upon completion. A 4.5 inch lift was achieved, and each pier was locked into place. Voids left underneath the slab foundation were then filled with a closed cell polyurethane geotechnical foam, and the trench was backfilled and compacted. The foam provided support to the raised interior slab. Interior cracks were repaired with carbon fiber staples and the slab was sealed for moisture intrusion. The whole project was completed in 14 days, and guaranteed for 25 years.
Foundation Settlement Concrete Rehabilitation Geotechnical/Soil Repair Concrete Crack Injection Slab Rocking/Slab Lifting Deep Foam Injection Below Grade Waterproofing New Construction-Foundations Carbon Fiber Staples CFRP Limited Access Micro-Piles Helical/Push Piers Caissons Hillside Erosion Control
“The world as we know it is built with ridged structures, concrete and steel, upon an ever moving and breathing planet. Our main focus in business, is the science and application of products and services, to keep those ridged structures from failing, and putting them back in operation, if they do” “We self perform all work” Structural Rehabilitation
“A firm footing is the key Foundation Tech, Inc. d.b.a. Foundation Technology to a solid foundation. 25217 Anza Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 We fix both!” Tel. 855.650.2211 Local. 661.294.1313 www.FoundationTechInc.com www.FoundationTechnology.com CSLB 991221