CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY

There are two basic steps involved in repairing concrete slab foundations. The objective being to transfer the load of the structure from unstable soils to more stable clays generally found eight to twelve feet below the surface. This weight transference is achieved via piers placed five to eight feet center to center, depending upon story height and construction type.

I.   INSTALLATION:

  A. Site Preparation:

1. Client is informed of crew's presence.
2. Pier locations are marked.
3. Plants, concrete and other obstacles are removed. (Owners are encouraged to water plants daily while out of the ground and after they are replanted).

  B. Excavation - Pier Construction:

1. Soils from excavation are moved to driveway via wheelbarrows; to be removed (usually within 24 hours unless hampered by weather, mechanical problems, etc.)
2. The next step is the boxing procedure; this procedure requires the manual excavation of boxes below the slab beam creating the pier cap.
3. A shaft is drilled (by gasoline power augers) to the depth of the load-bearing clay.
4. A belling tool is lowered to bottom of the shaft and activated.
5. 3 pieces of 1/2" rebar are tied and inserted in pier shaft and 4 1/2" pieces of rebar are inserted at pier head.
6. Concrete is transported from truck (at curbside) to pier locations and excavations are filled to 12" - IS" below bottom of grade beam.
7. Plywood covers are placed over pier holes and a thorough clean up is performed.

II. LEVELING:
Usually 7 days after last day of installation. The purpose of this phase is to raise the piered portion of the structure to, as near it's original position as possible. Remember, few homes are poured/built perfectly level. There are many factors used in determining when the structure has been raised to it's maximum potential. The foreman will be happy to go over these factors with you at that time.

  A. Jacking:

1. 25 ton mechanical jacks are placed on pier-heads and structure is jacked as previously described.
2. Precast, tested concrete blocks are placed on either side of the jack and steel shims are wedged between top block and bottom of grade beam.
3. Steel shims are grouted into place.
4. Holes are backfilled with sand.
5. Concrete is patched where breakouts were necessary.
6. Plants are replanted and a thorough clean up is performed.

Precision Foundation Service, Inc. encourages customer participation whenever possible. We think you will find our Management, Office Staff, Foremen and Crews, polite and helpful in assisting you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us.

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