Steel Piers

The Titan HDP pipe system is used in supporting foundations during foundation repair. The pier system is made up of several pipe pier sections, with connecting insert pipes. The pipe sections and insert sections have holes to allow for a pin to span their diameters which achieves a stable connection. As the pier is driven into the ground it can achieve forces of over 100,000 pounds. The key element to a successful pairing job is found in the ULTrA bracket. The bracket is secured to the foundation wall by securing lag bolts. Each bracket is tested prior to use to make sure it can handle 120,000 lbs with no damage. 

Steel piers are one of the two most common types of structural piling for residential applications in use today. Easy to install and easy to maintain if necessary, steel piers are an excellent choice for foundation stabilization where limestone and/or load bearing strata is readily accessible.

Steel piers are an excellent choice for most foundation problems which are either caused by organic soils, shrink and swell clays, poor compaction, improper footer embedment, and erosion or run off. Steel piers are also an excellent tool for sinkhole work where the structure has sunk and needs to be lifted back into place. The steel pier’s main function is the support and stabilization of the structure’s load bearing walls by transferring the weight of the structure off the weaker soils and onto the steel piers.

Using the structure itself, steel piers are installed using a hydraulic driving system to steadily advance the pier by using hydraulics and the house as its counter-weight to drive the piling. First, the work areas are opened to allow the seating of the bracket. Then the hydraulic driving assembly is attached and the first section of pipe with its soil plug are placed and made ready for driving.  Steel piers are installed section by section to its final depth which is either in limestone and/or load bearing strata.  The piers are terminated when the pile quits progressing downwards and the structure starts to lift.

The installation of steel piers is surgical in nature. They are installed in a pre-designed pattern with certain spacing, they are installed to a certain depth and they terminate with a certain pressure. Most of these specifications are designed before the project ever starts and the initial estimate closely reflects the finished product; providing the soils encountered reflect the boring logs upon which the design was created.