Garage Foundation Cracks
Cracking in the garage walls and slab was indicative of foundation settlement. Previous attempts to seal the wall cracks were ineffective, demonstrating that the underlying structural movement had not been addressed. A more comprehensive solution was necessary to properly stabilize the foundation and prevent further displacement.
Drywall Crack
Cracking in the drywall above the garage is another common indicator of foundation settlement. Additional signs of structural movement include doors and windows that become difficult to open or close properly, as shifting in the framing can cause misalignment.
Push Piers
Foundation settlement often occurs when a structure is supported by weak or compressible soils, or when changes in soil conditions create voids beneath the foundation. To permanently address this issue, Push Piers were installed along the exterior perimeter of the garage to transfer the structural load to deeper, more stable load-bearing strata. This approach effectively stabilizes the foundation and helps prevent further settlement.
Push Piers Pressurized
Once the piers are advanced to competent load-bearing strata, they are collectively hydraulically pressurized to transfer the weight of the structure off the unstable soils. This process not only stabilizes the foundation but can also achieve controlled lift, restoring the structure closer to its original elevation where conditions allow.
GeoLock Trench
To address lateral movement in the foundation walls, GeoLock wall anchors were installed. The installation process began by excavating a trench beneath the garage floor to properly position the system and establish the necessary connection points for long-term stabilization.
GeoLock Rods
GeoLock anchor rods were installed by extending them from the exterior of the foundation wall through to the trenched area beneath the garage floor. This configuration allows the system to engage stable soil beyond the affected foundation, providing the necessary resistance to counteract wall movement and restore structural integrity.
GeoLock Anchors
Once the rods reach the trenched area, GeoLock anchor plates are attached and embedded into stable soil. These anchors provide a secure point of resistance, allowing the system to apply counterforce against the foundation wall, effectively stabilizing and helping to prevent further inward or outward movement.
GeoLock Plates
To achieve this counterforce, GeoLock wall plates were installed on the exterior side of the foundation and mechanically tightened. This process applies controlled tension to the system, allowing the anchors to engage stable soil and exert consistent pressure against the wall, effectively stabilizing it against further movement.
Garage Floor Backfill
Upon completion of the installation, the excavated area is carefully backfilled and compacted to restore structural support, followed by the placement of concrete to fully reinstate the garage floor surface.
Foundation Repair Backfill
All exterior areas disturbed during the Push Pier and GeoLock installation process were carefully backfilled and properly graded. This restoration ensures the surrounding soil is stabilized and the landscape is returned to its original elevation, promoting proper drainage away from the foundation.
