Foundation piers are installed by pushing them into the ground using a hydraulic pump, often utilizing the existing structure's foundation as a point of resistance.
This method is commonly employed by contractors to stabilize or lift existing foundations. The process described involves the following key steps:
- Positioning: A post foundation, which may be loaded with concrete, is placed directly beneath the center of the wall requiring support.
- Placement: The pier sections are then readied for installation.
- Driving: Contractors push the piers into the ground using a hydraulic pump. The existing foundation serves a critical role here, acting as a blockage for pushing the pier towards the ground. This allows the hydraulic force to drive the pier downward until it reaches stable soil or bedrock.
This installation technique leverages the weight and stability of the existing structure to install the pier sections effectively, providing foundational support where needed.
Key Components in Installation
The process relies on several components working together:
- Hydraulic Pump: Provides the necessary force to drive the pier sections into the soil.
- Foundation Piers: Steel sections that are connected and pushed into the ground.
- Existing Foundation: Acts as a reaction mass or anchor point, allowing the hydraulic pump to apply downward force on the pier.
- Post Foundation (Optional but mentioned): A concrete-loaded structure placed beneath the wall's center, potentially part of the anchoring mechanism.
Using the foundation itself helps ensure that the pier installation is directly addressing the load-bearing requirements of the structure.
