Polyurethane foam injection is not a permanent solution for structural loads or foundation settlement. While it is an effective tool for non-structural applications, such as filling minor voids or leveling interior slabs, sidewalks, and driveways, it lacks the engineered capacity to support a building’s foundation long-term.
For a permanent solution, we recommend Helical Piers or Push Piers. Unlike foam, which may degrade or fail to address deep-seated soil movement, our steel pier systems provide permanent underpinning by transferring the structural weight past unstable surface soils to competent bearing strata or bedrock.
Why Steel Piers Outperform Polyurethane Foam:
- Permanence: Steel piers are engineered to provide a lifetime of stability, whereas foam is considered a temporary lift for non-structural slabs.
- Load-Bearing Capacity: Our helical pier systems can support loads exceeding 100 tons per pier, while polyurethane foam is typically limited to lifting loads under 20 tons.
- Soil Adaptability: In expansive clay or high-moisture soils, foam often fails to reach the stable strata needed to prevent future movement. Our advanced earth anchoring systems bypass these active soil zones entirely.
- Engineering Standards: We utilize ICC and ISO Certified products backed by ICC-ES documentation, ensuring your repair meets the highest building code standards.
Because every project has unique soil and structural requirements, we always recommend you consult a structural engineer or our Engineering Excellence and Design Support team for project-specific guidance. Installations must comply with applicable building codes and ICC-ES acceptance criteria (AC358). Please contact us to request a custom quote for your stabilization needs.
Related FAQs
-
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…
-
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}…
-
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,…
-
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…
-
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…