Foundation Repair: Piering
By ProMatcher Staff
Piering a Sinking Foundation
Foundation issues are often caused by poor soil conditions. In some cases, the soil beneath the foundation is not properly compacted before the concrete is poured. In other cases, the soil expands and contracts as a result of extreme changes in temperature. If the soil settles, the foundation has the opportunity to shift and/or sink. One way of repairing a failing foundation is piering.
What is Steel Piering?
Steel piering is a way of stabilizing a sinking or leaking foundation. The goal is to alleviate some of the pressure on the surrounding soil. The steel pipe pilings (or piers) are drilled into the area where the foundation is failing. This steel reinforcement helps to improve the structural integrity of the entire structure. While concrete pilings were once the industry standard, steel pilings have largely replaced this technology.
An engineer is responsible for determining the required depth of the piers. Hydraulic pressure is used to drive the piers to a depth where the earth can better support the weight of the structure (i.e. bedrock). The piers are then attached to the foundation footing. This reduces the amount of pressure on the soil and dramatically improves the stability of the foundation.
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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