Foundation Settlement in Fullerton, CA

Friday, March 6th, 2015 by Michelle Dalinghaus

Challenge

The homeowner of a single family home decided to contact Saber Geotechnical Construction Solutions when he noticed settling and cracking in the interior and exterior of the home. The soils beneath the foundation are no longer stabile which has caused the settlement of the home and the cracking to worsen. The homeowner initially began noticing small cracks forming above and around door frames and window frames of the home. He then noticed that doors and windows were becoming harder to open and close, but really did not think too much of it. However; it began to worsen when he began to notice cracking on the exterior of the home as well, the cracks that had formed really began to alarm the homeowner for the value, safety, and visibility of his home.

Solution

Saber Geotechnical Construction Solutions remedied the homeowner's problem by using the Push Pier System, as well as Helical Piers and Helical Brackets. Push Piers are steel piers that are driven deep into the soils to the bedrock or any other stable soil layer. Push Piers can be installed to the interior and exterior of the home and can provide an opportunity to lift the home back towards its original position. Helical piers are another steel piercing system. The first section that is advanced into the ground has one or more helix shaped blades welded to the shaft. Helical piers can be effective at closing cracks caused by settlement and improving the operation of doors and windows. The Saber crew first removed the soils from the areas where the piers would be installed, and then the sections were advanced into the soils. once proper depths and capacities were achieved, heavy duty foundation brackets are positioned below the footing. A total of 10 push piers and 10 helical piers were installed around the home, and then the home was lifted to maximum practical recovery. Once the lift was complete the areas were then backfilled. The whole process took 5 days from start to finish, and gave the homeowner peace of mind and left him very happy knowing that his home is now stabilized and free of future settlement.