December 2009
Excavation completed for retrofit pier installation. Retrofit pier is advanced. Pier installed and awaiting foundation bracket. New construction piers installed for concrete floor slab.
Problem:
Shortly after construction began on a home on Big Floyd Lake, the builder began to observe early warning signs of foundation settlement.
Before continuing with the home’s development, the builder’s project manager had a soils investigation performed by a local geotechnical engineering firm.
Based on the results of the test, the geotechnical engineer recommended the use of helical piers to support the home’s foundation.
The geotechnical engineer recommended the piers be installed before construction continued in order to avoid further settlement that could potentially add significant repair cost at a later stage in the project.
Solution:
Innovative installed a combination of both retrofit and new construction helical piers to stabilize the existing foundation and provide support for the interior floor slab.
Twenty-three (23) Model 288 Helical Piers were installed to permanently stabilize the existing foundation.
The piers were advanced to depths of over 21 feet and to estimated ultimate capacities of over 70,000 pounds. L-shaped foundation brackets were then positioned below and against the footings to effectively stabilize the existing foundation.
Fourteen (14) additional piers were installed in a new construction application where concrete would be poured for deck supports and the main floor slab.
The piers in these locations were designed to support the concrete additions in order to prevent future settlement. Despite the wet and winter weather conditions, the 37 helical piers were installed in less than five days, allowing the project to remain on schedule. This gave both the homebuilder and future homeowner peace of mind knowing the foundation was permanently stabilized.
Project Summary
Geotechnical Engineering: Midwest Testing, Inc., Fargo, ND
Structural Engineering: Ulteig Engineers, Inc., Fargo, ND
Certified Inspector: Charlie Adams
Installing Contractor: Innovative Basement Authority, Fargo, ND and Hinckley, MN
Products Installed: (14) Model 288 New Construction Helical Piers and (23) Model 288 Retrofit Helical Piers