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p 237
Chapter 3
Hydraulically-Driven Push Piers
CHAPTER 3
HYDRAULICALLY-DRIVEN PUSH PIERS
not be necessary depending upon the footing
geometry, strength, steel reinforcement and the
proposed piering plan. Notching of the footing
reduces the eccentricity between the applied
load and the pier section. The proposed pier
plan may consider pier installation on opposing
sides of the footing to better balance support
of the loads. Installing piers on opposing
sides of the footing in pairs or in a staggered
configuration can be an acceptable alternative
to notching. The design professional of record
should approve the notching, particularly when
notching will cut steel reinforcement. The outline
of the notch is typically first made by drilling a
series of closely-spaced holes with a concrete
drill bit. After the notch outline has been made, a
chipping hammer or jack hammer can be used to
impart energy to the perforated section, causing
it to separate from the rest of the footing. Drilling
the holes prior to using the chipping hammer
or jack hammer also reduces the likelihood of
concrete spalling from under the footing.
• Smooth the concrete surfaces with a chipping
hammer or other tool to produce similar results.
The vertical and horizontal surfaces of the
footing and foundation wall must be smooth and
clean to allow full contact with the vertical and
horizontal bearing plates of the under-footing
bracket
(Figures 3.10.b1 and 3.10.b2)
. Footing
preparation should be completed to provide
proper bracket/pier alignment
(Figure 3.10.b3)
.
Figure 3.10.b1
Smoothing the vertical and horizontal
bearing surfaces with a chipping hammer
Figures 3.10.b2
Checking underside of
footing for proper preparation
Figure 3.10.b3
Completed footing excavation and
preparation; ready to position bracket
Figure 3.10.a
Removing soil from beneath
the footing with a chisel attachment
