Problem:
This thirty year old split-entry house experienced sudden and dramatic foundation settlement. Several foundation cracks developed in conjunction with sloping floors and damaged drywall. Engineered Foundation Technologies' initial inspection showed the foundation settled over six inches. Speaking with seveal neighbors, the property was originally used as a gravel pit and was filled-in some time later.
Project Details:
Engineered Foundation Technologies installed a total of sixteen helical piles to support the sinking foundation. Fourteen underpinning piles were constructed along the damaged foundation and two piles were installed inside the building to support the floor loads.
Engineered Foundation Technologies chose portable equipment to install the helical piles as to minimize any damage to the neatly landscaped areas around the house.
Foundation Raising:
Engineered Foundation Technologies utilized underpinning brackets to raise the structure. The underpinning brackets are designed to both support the settling foundation and raise it as well. During the foundation lifting, the hydraulic jacks are simultaneously pushing against the helical pile (see right) and thus lift up the foundation bracket. The foundation was successfully raised about four inches after work was complete.
http://www.engineeredfoundationtech.com/Case-Studies-Settling-Foundation-Methuen.html
