The Problem: Northwest Arkansas &
Clay Soils
In the Northwest Arkansas area settlement is
typically due to the cyclical swelling and shrinking of
a layer of high clay soil beneath the footing as this
layer alternates between higher and lower levels of
seasonal moisture content.
As the shrink/swell action continues through alternating
extremes of dry and wet ground condition, the foundation
itself will settle and rise accordingly, but the weight
of the house bearing on the ground is such that the
total settlement during the shrink conditions of the
soil is typically greater than the total lift during
subsequent swell conditions. Also the integrity of the
house's structural frame eventually gives way and
further constrains full recovery of footing settlement
within each full cycle of moisture related movement.
The
combined effects of these two phenomena impose stresses
on visible architectural elements of the house such as
windows, doors, trim, exterior cladding (stone, brick or
siding) and interior wall finishes (paneling or
drywall). Wall surface cracks and the tendency for doors
and windows to stick and for floors to become
out-of-level are the predictable, continuing, and
progressively worsening, results. Cosmetic repairs to
the symptoms of settlement are usually only temporary
unless the foundation is stabilized.
The Solution:
The Steel Piering System
Foundation Specialties, Inc. has been successfully
utilizing the Steel Pier Method of stabilization in the
Northwest Arkansas area since 1989. We have used this
method to restore and/or stabilize homes and commercial
structures whose settlement resulted from a wide variety
of soil and design problems such as building on
expansive clay, compressible or improperly compacted
fill soils, or improper maintenance around foundations.
The Steel RESISTANCE PIER
Resistance Piers are ideal for the repair of foundation
perimeter settlement problems. Using portable equipment
they are hydraulically driven to rock or a measured
design load strength. When properly installed Resistance
Piers can prevent settlement, stabilize foundations and
restore structures nearly to their original position,
often closing structural defects, such as cracks and
deformities, caused by settlement. For a brief pictorial
of the Resistance Pier Installation process
click here.
The Steel HELICAL PIER
The Helical Pier is one of the most versatile
products offered by Foundation Specialties, Inc. The
Helical Pier is installed by a hydraulic gear motor that
drives (torques) the pier through problem soil until
stiff load bearing soils are reached to provide the
necessary support for your structure. Installed properly the Helical Pier system is an ideal
solution to stabilize settlement problems found in
concrete slabs and garage floors. When used in a
Tie-Back application the product has also proven to be a
great solution for the stabilization of Retaining Walls
and Basement Walls.
In addition to these applications the Helical Pier
System is also useful for restoring and supporting
basement and porch columns as well as settling porches
and patios.
For a brief pictorial of the Helical Pier Installation
process
click here.
