We recommend steel piers over polyurethane foam when a permanent, engineered structural solution is required. While polyurethane foam is an effective tool for filling voids and performing minor, non-structural lifts for concrete slabs (typically under 2 inches), it is not a permanent fix for structural foundation settlement.
Our advanced earth anchoring systems are designed to address the root cause of settlement by transferring building loads past unstable surface soils down to competent load-bearing strata or bedrock. There are three primary reasons why our engineering team and network of structural engineers prefer steel systems:
- Superior Load-Bearing Capacity: Steel helical or push piers can support loads exceeding 100 tons per pier. In contrast, polyurethane foam is generally limited to lifting slabs and supporting lighter loads, typically under 20 tons.
- Stability in Expansive or Wet Soils: In environments with high moisture or expansive clay, shallow solutions like foam can be compromised by soil movement. Steel piers bypass these active zones entirely, providing long-term durability that foam cannot match.
- Permanent Underpinning: Unlike foam, which may degrade or require re-application over time, our ICC and ISO Certified products provide a permanent foundation repair solution. Steel systems are the industry standard for perimeter foundations, load-bearing walls, and commercial columns.
Because every project presents unique geotechnical challenges, we provide Engineering Excellence and Design Support to ensure the right system is utilized.
Consult a structural engineer or the manufacturer’s engineering team for project-specific design and installation guidance. Products are certified to ICC/ISO where indicated — installations must comply with applicable building codes and ICC-ES acceptance criteria (AC358).
Related FAQs
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How do You Perform a Static Load Test on a Helical Pier?
Read More »: How do You Perform a Static Load Test on a Helical Pier?Performing a static load test on a helical pier (or pile) involves a systematic process following the ASTM D1143 standard to directly measure axial capacity. The procedure is broken down into setup, execution, and interpretation: ### 1. Pre-Test Setup Location…
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What is the Difference between Static and Dynamic Pile Load Testing?
Read More »: What is the Difference between Static and Dynamic Pile Load Testing?The primary difference between static and dynamic pile load testing lies in how the force is applied, the duration of the test, and the level of accuracy provided. While both methods are used to verify the capacity of helical piles,…
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How do You Interpret Torque-to-capacity Ratios During Installation?
Read More »: How do You Interpret Torque-to-capacity Ratios During Installation?Interpreting torque-to-capacity ratios involves using an empirical relationship to estimate a helical pile’s ultimate capacity during the installation process. This is known as the Torque Correlation Method. ### The Correlation Formula The primary calculation used for this interpretation is Qu…
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What are the Standard Methods for Testing Helical Pile Load Capacity?
Read More »: What are the Standard Methods for Testing Helical Pile Load Capacity?Standard methods for testing helical pile load capacity primarily include direct measurement through static load testing and empirical estimation via torque correlation. These methods ensure that installed piles meet design specifications and building code requirements. Static Load Testing (ASTM D1143):…
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Why is Pile Load Testing Required for Commercial Construction Projects?
Read More »: Why is Pile Load Testing Required for Commercial Construction Projects?For commercial construction projects, pile load testing is a non-negotiable quality assurance requirement primarily driven by safety, design validation, and legal mandates. Key reasons for requiring these tests include: Design Validation: Load testing is the only definitive way to verify…