Structural Design of Push Pier Systems
Structural Design of Push Pier Systems
(OP)
I am researching the standard protocol for the design of residential push pier stabilization systems. If you have experience in this, how have you seen the process typically go? I.e., did the owner directly retain their own SE to come up with a design? Or does the foundation contractor retain the SE? At what point does a geotechnical engineer become involved? What exactly is the SE designing and specifying to the contractor? Any experiences are appreciated.






RE: Structural Design of Push Pier Systems
Try discussing it with them, I suspect most of these types of suppliers have their own engineers (or technical staff) and are keen for people to specify their product so they win more work, so are generally quite helpful/invested in getting the most out of it for their customers.
RE: Structural Design of Push Pier Systems
RE: Structural Design of Push Pier Systems
Determine reason for underpinning.
Determine what the soils profile is, - support strata - installation problems.
Determine access on the site and convenience for the client.
Determine what is reasonably available. Helicals? Push piles? Micro piles? Compaction Grouting? other?
Which methods can be installed due to access, installation problems, support capacity, geotechnical requirements, etc?
What is the existing foundation capable of withstanding during the repair installation & adjustment?
In my case, I typically see residential and small commercial foundation system requiring underpinning element spacings ranging from 4 feet to 18 feet. The product engineers usually go for the 4' to 6' spacing along foundation walls and do not seem to dare step out of that zone. If I can confirm the foundation is capable of more spacing, that is usually what I design.