Eccentric Pier Installation Sequence

1. Site survey: Pier placements are located and the location of underground utilities verified.

2. Excavation: Small excavations are dug for access at each placement location. The space required at the foundation is usually about 3 feet square. (fig 1)

3. Preparation of the foundation: This includes notching the footing (if required) to place the pier bracket under the stem wall, preparing the bearing area under the footing to a smooth and level condition, and adjusting the face of the stem wall to vertical (plumb) at the point of bracket attachment. (fig 1)

4. Utility Bracket Attachment: The utility bracket is secured to the footing using anchor bolts. Attachment of the drive stand and the hydraulic cylinder that is used to force the pier pipe into the soil is mounted on the drive stand. (fig 2)

5. Pier Pipe Installation: The pier pipe is advanced into the soil using the structure as the reaction force with a 10,000 psi hydraulic pump and cylinder combination. The piers may be installed from outside or inside the structure. Pier installation continues until rock or suitable bearing-strata is encountered below the unstable soil near the surface. (fig 2)

6. Load Test: Every pier is load tested by increasing the force on the pier to insure the rock or bearing-strata will support a load greater than needed to guarantee a factor of safety. Typically an engineer will determine the load of the structure and the desired factor of safety before the load tests are performed. (fig 3)

7. Preparations for Restoration: Once all piers have been installed, load tested, and the installation data at each placement recorded; lifting head assemblies and hydraulic lifting rams are placed on the piers. The lifting cylinders are connected with one or more manifolds and operated using a hydraulic pump. (fig 3)

8.  Restoration: Under careful supervision, the load is transferred from the existing failing strata under the foundation, to the load tested piers. The structure can be transfered gently and evenly lifted to as close to the original elevation or to the recommendation of the engineer. The nuts at the pier caps are secured at each placement and the lifting equipment is removed. . (fig 4)

9.  Clean Up: The soil that was excavated at each pier placement is now replaced and compacted. The site is left clean and neat.