Failing Basement Support Posts
Temporary lally columns and wooden posts were being utilized as makeshift supports for the floor system above the basement. While lally columns can provide short-term stabilization, they are not engineered for permanent load-bearing applications. Additionally, the wooden posts exhibited signs of structural failure, including cracking and splitting, indicating inadequate capacity to sustain the required loads.
SmartJack Footing Excavation
Sections of the slab and underlying soil were excavated to accommodate the installation of structural footings. Each footing excavation measured approximately two feet in width and two feet in depth, ensuring adequate bearing capacity for the intended load transfer.
Footings Reinforced with Rebar
Concrete was placed within the excavated footing sections and reinforced with steel rebar to enhance tensile strength and structural integrity. This reinforcement ensures the footings can effectively distribute loads and resist potential cracking or displacement over time.
SmartJack Base
An additional layer of concrete was placed and precisely leveled to create a stable, uniform bearing surface for the SmartJack assemblies. This ensures optimal load distribution and long-term structural performance.
SmartJacks Installed to Supplemental Beam
In standard practice, a primary beam is installed beneath the joists to provide uniform load distribution and stabilize the floor system. In the absence of a main beam in the affected area, a supplemental steel beam was installed and integrated with the SmartJack assemblies. The SmartJacks were then precisely adjusted to transfer loads and incrementally elevate the floor system back to its intended position, ensuring long-term structural stability.
SmartJacks Cemented into Foundation Floor
To finalize the installation, each SmartJack assembly was permanently anchored into the foundation floor using a concrete encasement. This additional reinforcement enhances system stability and load distribution. As a result, the floor system has been restored to its proper elevation, eliminating sagging and deflection, and reestablishing the home's structural integrity.
