The poured concrete pier, or Bell Bottom Pier, method of foundation repair is the most thoroughly researched and most permanent solution for concrete slab foundations. There are a number of methods of foundation repair available to building owners and homeowners. Some of these methods are quick and relatively cheap. But there is only one method that utilizes the same construction concept used for building massive support columns for highway overpasses. The Bell Bottom Pier method utilizes this concept, digging large holes, pouring in wet concrete, and placing steel reinforcing rods in the wet concrete.
The Bell Bottom Pier method of foundation repair begins with a fifteen to eighteen foot soil test to determine the depth of bedrock or stable soil. Then the correct length or depth for the piers can be defined. Rectangular areas that extend under the foundation are identified as the locations for the new piers. If necessary, areas in the interior of the building structure or home will be marked for pier placement. The soil is then excavated from this “box” to a depth of about three feet. These rectangular holes will then be large enough for motorized drills to be used for the excavation of the shaft and bell bottom portions of the pier. The excavation of the shaft portion is a simple process. The excavation of the bell bottom portion, which may be as much as eighteen feet below the surface, is a much greater challenge. This is a crucial step because the bell bottom will act as a “foot” for supporting the weight of the building structure or home on stable soil. This tricky excavation is done with a unique drill bit that “flares out” two cutting flanges. After excavating some soil, they will “compress inward” with the soil that has been “cut away.” The entire drill bit is then brought to the surface to remove the “cut soil.” And the process is repeated until a nicely formed bell (foot) is excavated at the base of the pier.
The next step in the construction of the Bell Bottom Pier method of foundation repair is the concrete pour (poured concrete pier method). The entire excavated area is filled with high strength concrete up to about twenty four inches under the foundation. Then steel rebar, which has been “tied” together, is placed in the shaft and the rectangular upper cap of the pier. The steel will give the concrete additional strength for support and to resist future soil movement. After about two weeks the concrete is dry enough for the leveling process. Hydraulic jacks are used to lift those sections of the building or home that have “fallen.” Once the entire structure is leveled then concrete blocks and steel shims are placed between the top of the piers and the foundation to maintain the level position.
There are advantages and disadvantages with every method of foundation repair but the Bell Bottom Pier method excels. Its advantages include the support of the majority of structural engineers who have experience with concrete slab foundations. The soil is tested prior to installation and therefore the depth of the shaft can be custom designed for the building or home. The bell bottoms provide a large area of support and the entire Bell Bottom Pier will anchor against uplift and resist all forces of soil movement. In addition, there are no damaging forces exerted on the building or home during installation. The main disadvantages are that this method is more expensive and requires more time than other methods. However, the bell bottom method of foundation repair is a superior and permanent solution for concrete slab foundations that are experiencing movement problems.
Author Resource:
Martin Dawson is the co-founder (1984) of Dawson Foundation Repair. He is a leading authority in Texas and other southern states on repairing failed commercial and home foundations using the thoroughly researched drilled Bell Bottom Pier method. http://www.DawsonFoundationRepair.com/
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