Are Repair Methods Different for Foundation Heaving Versus Settlement?

Yes, while some overlapping technologies are used, the repair approaches for foundation settlement and heaving are distinct and must be tailored to the specific direction and cause of movement.

Repair Approaches for Settlement

Settlement repairs focus on transferring the weight of the structure downward through weak, compressing soil to stable bearing strata. The primary methods include:

• Helical Piers: Steel shafts with helical plates are screwed into the ground to mechanically advance the foundation’s weight to stable strata.
• Push Piers: These use the building’s own weight to drive steel pipe segments deep into the ground until they reach a point of refusal at a dense soil layer.

Repair Approaches for Heaving

Heaving repairs focus on anchoring the structure against upward or lateral forces caused by soil expansion. Solutions include:

• Helical Piers: In heaving scenarios, these function as anchors, with plates positioned below the moisture-fluctuation zone to provide lift resistance.
• Plate Anchors: These are specifically used to stabilize walls against lateral earth pressure, counteracting the inward wall bowing often caused by expansive clays.
• Push Piers: These bypass the active “heave zone” of expansive soil to lock the foundation into competent, non-moving bearing layers.

Because misdiagnosing the type of movement can lead to repair failure, it is essential to have a structural engineer perform a professional assessment and soil analysis before selecting a remediation plan.

• Foundation Settlement vs Heaving: Key Differences Explained