Steel piers are commonly used in foundation repair and construction projects to support buildings like homes and commercial properties. When it comes to stabilizing foundations, steel piers are typically preferred due to their strength and ability to reach stable soil. If you’re a property owner experiencing foundation issues like settling, steel foundation piers may be the right solution to restore the integrity of your structure.
Related Article: Soil Quality and Your Home’s Stability
As foundation specialists at PowerLift Foundation Repair, we know all about steel pier foundation repairs. If you find yourself wondering about the steel pier installation process, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how these supports are driven deep into the bedrock or load-bearing strata.
What Are Steel Piers?
In foundation repair and building construction, steel piers are driven through the ground and into load-bearing strata to provide foundation support. The steel pier system is especially beneficial when a structure is on unstable soil, as it anchors the building into the stable bedrock for reliable support. If installed properly, the steel pier system can effectively stabilize your building foundation for years to come.
To determine whether steel piers are the right choice for your property, there are various factors to consider. This includes soil movement and conditions, structural load requirements, and the extent or severity of your foundation issues.
For an accurate assessment of the suitability of steel piers for your building, consider contacting professionals like PowerLift Foundation Repair for assistance.
Steel Piers Installation Process
1. Assessing Soil Conditions
Before installing steel foundation piers, soil testing is typically done to evaluate the soil conditions under your property. Foundation specialists or engineers calculate the load-bearing capacity required to properly support the structure. Additionally, the depth at which each steel pier should be installed to reach stable soil or bedrock is also determined pre-installation.
Soil testing helps them determine if the soil can provide the required support and effectively stabilize the foundation. In most cases, if you have unstable soil, steel foundation piers are an ideal solution as they anchor to stable and reliable bedrock beneath the property.
2. Preparing the Foundation
To prepare for the steel pier foundation repair or installation, the ground and area around the foundation are cleared. The repair team excavates the area to uncover the foundation footing bottom. This is where each steel pier will be strategically placed and installed. Measurements are made in preparation for the installation and the equipment necessary for the process is also set up.
3. Driving and Securing the Steel Piers
To drive each steel pier into the ground, the team uses hydraulic jacks to push the steel piers through the soil and into stable soil or bedrock. Once the steel piers have reached the right depth, each pier is properly aligned and secured to ensure proper foundation support.
4. Testing the Steel Piers
After the installation, the team usually practices load testing to ensure that the foundation is properly supported and stabilized. They check whether the weight of the structure has been properly transferred to the newly installed piers. This is also the time to monitor the foundation and make any necessary adjustments or changes to correct any issues.
5. Cleaning and Restoring the Site
Once the foundation piers are secured and the load transfer is verified, the team cleans the site and restores the area to its previous condition.
Steel Piers vs. Concrete Piers
Steel Piers
Helical Piers (Screw Piles): Helical piers are steel shafts with helical plates which give them a screw-like function. These piers are twisted or “screwed” into the ground using a hydraulic torque motor, making the process minimally invasive. Alternatives to helical piers typically include concrete pilings and micropiles.
Push Piers or Resistance Piers: Push piers are commonly made of steel. Instead of being screwed into the ground like helical piers, each pier is pushed against the soil until it reaches stable bedrock.
Concrete Piers
Concrete piers are made of concrete and are installed by either driving them into the ground or pouring concrete into the ground. The process of installing concrete piers is typically more disruptive than steel piers installation as concrete piers require the use of heavy machinery and more extensive excavation. Concrete piers are great for structures like bridges, marine structures, and industrial buildings.
Suitable Foundations for Steel Piers
Steel piers can be used on various types of foundations because they can be driven deep into the ground where the soil is stable. This prevents issues like foundation settlement and movement.
Here are some of the suitable foundations for steel piers:
- Concrete Foundations or Slab Foundations
- Crawl Space Foundations
- Basement Foundations
- Pier and Beam Foundations
Choose PowerLift Foundation Repair for Expert Foundation Repair Services
When it comes to foundation repair services, PowerLift is the top choice in Oklahoma, Arizona, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Backed by years of experience and high ratings from satisfied customers, choosing us means choosing high-quality repairs, efficient processes, and exceptional customer service.
