Deteriorating Fieldstone Foundation Wall
The fieldstone foundation wall exhibited a horizontal bow of up to three inches in one section, while adjacent areas showed significant stone displacement and looseness. These conditions indicated a substantial loss of structural stability, necessitating a comprehensive stabilization solution to restore the wall's integrity and prevent further deterioration.
PowerBrace
To construct the StableLock® auxiliary wall system, PowerBrace® steel beams were first installed along the affected foundation wall. These galvanized steel supports are engineered to arrest further inward movement and provide the primary structural framework for the auxiliary wall. Each beam was securely anchored to the concrete slab and mechanically fastened to the floor framing above, creating a rigid load path. Reinforcing steel rebar was then integrated throughout the assembly to enhance tensile strength and ensure the poured concrete would form a highly durable, structurally reinforced stabilization system.
Auxiliary Wall Forms
Formwork was constructed to define the dimensions and profile of the StableLock® auxiliary wall. The forms were then securely braced with structural supports to withstand the pressure of the concrete placement process. Spray foam was applied along form joints and perimeter edges to create a tight seal, preventing concrete leakage and ensuring a clean, monolithic pour with proper consolidation throughout the wall system.
StableLock Auxiliary Wall
Concrete was then placed within the formwork, fully encapsulating the reinforcement and PowerBrace® framework. During placement, a mechanical concrete vibrator was used to consolidate the material, eliminating trapped air pockets and ensuring proper density, bond strength, and structural integrity throughout the wall. The top of the wall was carefully screeded and finished to achieve the specified elevation and profile. After the concrete had reached the required cure strength, the formwork was removed, revealing the completed StableLock® auxiliary wall system. The previously compromised foundation has now been permanently reinforced and stabilized, providing long-term structural support and resistance to further movement.
Rusted Lally Columns
Persistent moisture exposure within the basement had accelerated deterioration of the structural support system, resulting in corrosion of the lally columns and degradation of the primary support beam. As the beam's structural capacity diminished, it experienced increased deflection, leading to noticeable floor sagging above. To restore the home's structural integrity and properly support the floor system, the homeowner sought a permanent stabilization and reinforcement solution.
SmartJack Footing Excavation
To prepare for the SmartJack® support system installation, sections of the existing basement slab were carefully excavated and removed to allow for the construction of engineered footings. These footings provide a stable load-bearing base, ensuring the SmartJack® columns can effectively transfer structural loads to competent soil and deliver long-term support for the floor system above.
Footings with Rebar
Reinforcing steel rebar was installed and interwoven throughout the footing excavations to enhance their structural strength and load-bearing capacity. This reinforcement helps distribute loads more effectively, increases resistance to cracking, and ensures the footings provide a durable, long-term foundation for the SmartJack® support system.
SmartJacks
After the concrete footings had achieved the necessary cure strength, the SmartJack® base assemblies were positioned and securely anchored to the newly constructed footings. The galvanized steel SmartJack® columns were then installed and mechanically connected to the bases before being carefully adjusted to establish firm contact with the main support beam. Each column was precisely calibrated to transfer structural loads effectively and help restore proper elevation to the floor system. Constructed from high-strength galvanized steel, the SmartJack® system provides exceptional durability and long-term corrosion resistance, ensuring reliable structural support in basement environments.
Polyurethane Foundation Wall Spray
To further preserve the remaining fieldstone foundation walls, a layer of polyurethane foam was applied across their surfaces. The foam helps enhance overall wall stability by binding loose materials and providing an additional protective barrier against moisture infiltration. This treatment also assists in reducing humidity and water-related deterioration, helping to extend the lifespan and structural integrity of the foundation while improving the basement environment.
