01 May Case Study: Saving a Utah Home with Helical Piers
Homeowners often discover foundation issues when a small crack suddenly widens or a door refuses to close properly. In Utah, these problems are especially common. High water tables, freeze-thaw cycles, and variable soils place immense stress on residential foundations. Left unchecked, a settling foundation compromises the safety and value of your entire property.
This case study examines a recent residential project where shifting soil caused significant structural movement. The homeowners needed a reliable, permanent solution that would halt the settlement and restore the structural integrity of their house without turning their yard into a massive construction zone.
By relying on expert engineering and precise installation, our team demonstrated exactly why deep foundation solutions are the preferred method for stabilizing homes. Read on to see how we used helical piers to permanently secure this residential property.
The Challenge: Shifting Soils and Foundation Settlement
The homeowners noticed troubling signs throughout their property. Exterior brickwork displayed stair-step cracks, and interior drywall began to separate near the ceiling. After conducting a thorough site evaluation, our team identified the culprit: poor soil bearing capacity.
The ground beneath the footing was shifting due to Utah’s unique geological conditions, causing the foundation to drop unevenly. Traditional concrete underpinning would have required extensive excavation, ruining the landscaping and creating weeks of noise and mess. The project demanded a smarter approach to foundation repair.
The Solution: Engineered Helical Piles
To bypass the weak surface soils, we determined that helical piles were the ideal choice. These steel shafts feature helical bearing plates that are twisted deep into the ground until they reach stable, load-bearing soil or bedrock.
Our engineering team analyzed the soil reports and structural calculations to design a customized plan. We never guess when it comes to your home’s stability. By calculating the exact load requirements, we ensured the selected helical piers would provide a permanent fix.
Benefits of the Chosen Approach
- Minimal Site Disruption: The installation required a very small footprint. We avoided large-scale excavation, preserving the homeowners’ driveway and garden.
- Immediate Load Transfer: Unlike concrete, which requires curing time, helical piles can support the weight of the structure immediately upon installation.
- Verified Performance: Each pier is torque-tested during installation to verify its load-bearing capacity, ensuring the design specifications are met perfectly.
The Installation Process
We believe in keeping the process straightforward and transparent. The workflow followed these key steps:
- Preparation: The crew excavated small areas around the affected foundation footings to expose the concrete.
- Advancement: We hydraulically advanced the helical piers into the soil, monitoring torque to ensure each pier reached required depth and capacity.
- Connection: Once anchored in stable soil, we attached heavy-duty steel brackets to the foundation footing.
- Stabilization: The weight of the home was carefully transferred onto the piers, stabilizing the structure and closing several exterior cracks.
The entire foundation repair was completed in just a few days, leaving the property clean and secure.
Permanent Stability for Your Home
The homeowners received full reporting, test results, and a comprehensive warranty. They now have complete confidence that their foundation will remain stable for a lifetime, regardless of what the Utah soil does above the bearing strata.
Foundation problems only grow more expensive and dangerous over time. If you notice signs of settlement, prompt action is essential. Do not let shifting ground threaten your biggest investment.
Ready to secure your home? Reach out to schedule a free site evaluation. Contact Intermountain Helical Piers today to speak directly with our foundation experts.
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