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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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…