Polyurethane foam is generally not recommended for structural foundation stabilization. While it is an effective tool for slab jacking—which involves lifting non-structural concrete like sidewalks, driveways, or interior slabs with less than 2 inches of settlement—it lacks the capacity to support the perimeter foundations or load-bearing walls of a settling home.
For a permanent solution, we utilize foundation underpinning via steel pier systems. The primary differences include:
- Load-Bearing Capacity: Polyurethane foam is typically limited to lighter loads (under 20 tons). In contrast, our Helical Piers provide a load-bearing capacity that can exceed 100 tons per pier.
- Depth and Stability: Foam injection is a shallow correction that may degrade over time, especially in expansive clay or high-moisture soils. Our steel piers transfer the building’s load past unstable surface soils down to competent load-bearing strata or bedrock.
- Engineering Standards: Our Helical Pier Systems and Push Piers are ICC and ISO Certified products with ICC-ES documentation, ensuring they meet the highest industry standards for permanent structural support.
Because every project has unique soil conditions and structural requirements, we recommend a site-specific geotechnical evaluation. We provide Engineering Excellence and Design Support through our network of structural engineers to ensure your repair is built to last.
Note: Consult a structural engineer or our engineering team for project-specific design and installation guidance. Installations must comply with applicable building codes and ICC-ES acceptance criteria (AC358).
Related FAQs
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What is the Relationship between Installation Torque and Soil Bearing Capacity?
Read More »: What is the Relationship between Installation Torque and Soil Bearing Capacity?Installation torque is used as a real-time indicator of soil bearing capacity because the rotational resistance encountered by the helix plates reflects the soil’s shear strength. As the helical pier advances into competent strata, the torque required to turn it…
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How do Engineers Calculate the Ultimate Geotechnical Capacity of a Helical Pile?
Read More »: How do Engineers Calculate the Ultimate Geotechnical Capacity of a Helical Pile?To calculate the ultimate geotechnical capacity of a helical pile, we utilize two primary methodologies: the individual bearing method and the torque factor method. These approaches allow us to ensure structural loads are successfully transferred to competent bearing strata. $Q_{ult}…
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Why is a Geotechnical Investigation Necessary to Verify Soil Bearing Capacity?
Read More »: Why is a Geotechnical Investigation Necessary to Verify Soil Bearing Capacity?A geotechnical investigation is essential because it provides the site-specific data required to identify competent bearing strata and accurately size helical pier systems. Relying on general benchmarks is insufficient because actual soil bearing capacity varies significantly based on moisture content,…
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How is the Soil Bearing Capacity Determined for Helical Pier Installation?
Read More »: How is the Soil Bearing Capacity Determined for Helical Pier Installation?To ensure long-term structural stability, we determine soil bearing capacity through a combination of upfront geotechnical investigations and real-time field verification during installation. Geotechnical Investigation Before installation begins, we recommend a site-specific geotechnical report to map the soil profile. This…
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Does the Water Table Level Affect the Soil Bearing Capacity for Helical Piers?
Read More »: Does the Water Table Level Affect the Soil Bearing Capacity for Helical Piers?Yes, groundwater fluctuations are a critical factor in determining soil bearing capacity. A rising water table reduces the effective stress and overall strength of the soil, which in turn diminishes the load capacity of a helical pier. Because groundwater levels…