Steel Push Pier Installation in Murray, KY

The steel push pier installation process involves several key steps to ensure effective stabilization of your foundation:

Inspection and Assessment

1. Comprehensive Foundation Inspection:
   • The process begins with a thorough inspection of your foundation to assess the extent of the settlement and identify the areas that require stabilization.
   • Our team evaluates the soil conditions around your property, including the type of soil, its moisture content, and its load-bearing capacity.
   • We measure the degree of settlement using precision instruments to determine how far the foundation has shifted and where the most significant movement has occurred.
   • Based on this assessment, we develop a tailored plan for the installation of steel push piers, ensuring that the solution is customized to the specific needs of your property.
2. Soil Testing and Analysis:
   • Soil testing is conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the subsurface conditions.
   • This testing helps us determine the depth at which stable, load-bearing soil or bedrock is located, guiding the installation process.
   • We analyze the potential causes of the settlement, such as poor drainage or soil compaction issues, and provide recommendations to address these factors in conjunction with the pier installation.

Pier Placement

1. Strategic Placement of Piers:
   • Steel piers are strategically placed around the foundation at points where settlement has occurred.
   • The placement of the piers is carefully planned to provide maximum support and ensure even distribution of the building’s weight.
   • We consider factors such as the size and shape of the foundation, the location of cracks, and the overall load distribution when determining where to place the piers.
2. Customized Pier Layout:
   • Each pier is positioned based on a detailed layout plan designed to achieve optimal stability.
   • The number of piers required depends on the extent of the settlement, the size of the foundation, and the soil conditions.
   • We ensure that the piers are placed in locations that will provide the best possible support, helping to prevent further settlement and structural damage.

Installation of Piers

1. Driving the Piers:
   • Using hydraulic equipment, the steel piers are driven deep into the ground until they reach stable, load-bearing soil or bedrock.
   • The depth of the piers depends on the soil conditions and the weight of the structure, with some piers reaching depths of 20 feet or more.
   • The hydraulic driving process ensures that the piers are installed with precision, providing a solid and stable base for the foundation.
2. Load Testing:
   • As each pier is installed, we conduct load testing to verify that it can support the weight of the structure.
   • This testing ensures that the piers have been driven deep enough to reach stable soil and that they will provide the necessary support over the long term.
   • Any necessary adjustments are made during this stage to ensure that the piers are functioning correctly and are capable of supporting the foundation.
3. Connecting the Piers to the Foundation:
   • Once the piers have been driven to the required depth, they are securely attached to the foundation using steel brackets.
   • These brackets are designed to transfer the weight of the structure from the foundation to the piers, effectively stabilizing the entire building.
   • The connection between the piers and the foundation is reinforced to ensure long-lasting stability and to prevent any movement between the two.

Lifting and Stabilization

1. Hydraulic Lifting:
   • Once the piers are installed, hydraulic jacks are used to lift the foundation back to its original level.
   • This process carefully and gradually raises the foundation, correcting any unevenness and restoring the structure to its proper alignment.
   • The lifting is done in small increments to avoid placing too much stress on the foundation, ensuring that the process is safe and controlled.
2. Final Adjustments:
   • After the foundation has been lifted to the desired level, the piers are locked in place to maintain the corrected position.
   • We make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the foundation is stable and level, and that the piers are providing even support across the entire structure.
   • The hydraulic jacks are then removed, and the piers take over the full load-bearing responsibilities.
3. Stabilization and Securing:
   • The final step in the stabilization process involves securing the piers and brackets to ensure they remain in place over time.
   • We inspect the entire system to confirm that the foundation is fully supported and that there are no remaining signs of movement or instability.

Final Inspection and Cosmetic Repairs

1. Comprehensive Final Inspection:
   • After the foundation has been lifted and stabilized, we conduct a final inspection to ensure that the piers are properly installed and that the foundation is secure.
   • This inspection includes checking the alignment of the foundation, the placement of the piers, and the overall stability of the structure.
   • We also review the surrounding area to ensure that no additional issues, such as water drainage problems, could impact the stability of the foundation.
2. Cosmetic Repairs:
   • Following the stabilization process, we can perform any necessary cosmetic repairs to address cracks or other damage caused by the settlement.
   • This may include patching cracks in walls, repairing flooring, and restoring any landscaping that was disturbed during the installation.
   • Our goal is to leave your home looking as good as new, with both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal restored.
3. Maintenance Recommendations:
   • We provide guidance on maintaining your foundation and preventing future issues, ensuring long-term stability.
   • This may include recommendations for improving drainage, monitoring for signs of settlement, and scheduling regular maintenance checks.