The Bell Bottom Pier Method of Foundation Repair

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.

Recommend : Computer Gifts Sterling Silver Jewelry BestBuy Sunglasses WidescreenBluetoothGPS265WNavigator Power Soil Test

FRPBridge Bridge Repair Project in San Luis Obispo

FRPBridge.com

Tags : Health & Personal Care on Sale Civil Engineer Jobs Civil Engineering Best Buy Netbooks Concrete Engineer Tool Sets & Home Repair

How to Repair Concrete Work at Home

Concrete is usually weak in tension but quite strong in compression. This allows it take compressive forces or loads when steel is added as is used for retaining walls and columns. For concrete to take tensile strengths, it is bonded with reinforcements. This is usually in beams and slabs. After casting the concrete, damages or defects may occur. This maybe honey combs, bending or leakages from water. This defects can be repaired and the concrete made good.

The repair of concrete work should be undertaken in dry weather if possible. This allows the works to dry and achieve the required strength. After the correction is done, it must be cured continuously for at least one week. When the defects are appearing as cracks on structural concrete, an engineer should give directions. The structural engineer should assess the cracks and give recommendations. The repairs for general concrete defects can be done at home.

When ready to repair concrete, ensure the required materials are available. This are chippings, cement and sand. The reason for using chippings is because of there size in relation to ballast or coarse aggregate. They can be able to set in small holes like for honey comb defects. the sand is used on concrete structures that are not structural. The honey comb is the most common defect. This is concrete with air pockets visible on the surfaces after casting.

The concrete is hacked thoroughly to remove the loose materials. The hollow formed is watered thoroughly. After this, chippings are mixed with cement to form a good consistency. This paste is then applied to the raked out areas. This is done in layers until the void is filled. When it is completely filled, a wood float is used to smoothen it to shape of the existing surface. This is then cured for at least one week and then the appropriate finish is applied to the concrete surface.

Tags : Civil Engineering Forum Soil Test Civil Engineer Civil Engineering Pile Load Test Nano Soil Test