The foundation of any building or structure is what will determine its effectiveness in the long-term. When thinking about a construction project or a renovation, one of the first things you need to consider is the foundation and how you will keep the structure strong for years to come.
There are plenty of foundation repair options to choose from, but it is always a good idea to go with a solution that reaches bedrock or achieves the most depth. Factors such as geological formation, structure age and type, and overall weight all must be considered when making this determination.
Deep foundation systems go to large depths underneath the earth and in some cases even reach bedrock. Hitting bedrock offers great staying power. A range of materials can be used for foundation systems such as steel and concrete, and each method has its own merits in terms of use and longevity. There are many types of deep foundation solution that can be used include:
If you are struggling to choose between a steel and a concrete pier system, it is a good idea to go for a transition pier. A transition pier is made up of a mixture of steel and concrete allowing you to get the best of both worlds. Transition systems are used by a number of companies and the idea is to take the benefits from each other method and combine them to create a strong and stable foundation at a reasonable cost. The steel transition system is comprised of 3″ diameter double-walled steel sealed with cement with a friction reduction plate for deep penetration, and 8000 psi concrete cylinders are stacked on top of this to drive the steel to maximum depth.
When comparing steel piers and concrete piers, the main thing you will see is that concrete cannot reach the same depth as steel pipes. By combining the two in this method, transition pier systems can reach a deeper depth than concrete alone and this provides a much more stable foundation. The segment is pushed into the ground until it reaches dense strata or bedrock, and this allows for an incredibly steady foundation that won’t be moved by upper-level soil movement. The segments are interlocked and this ensures a strong structure that can last for a long time.
As with any method of foundation repair, there are also some cons to this system. The main con of a transition system is that it cannot reach the same depth as a steel system. A lot of stress is required to push the segments into the ground and this, in turn, can cause stress to the foundation. It is important for you to consider the disturbance level of this method when deciding which one to use.
Choosing the right system for you can be difficult and it is something you need to heavily research beforehand. Make sure to understand the pros and cons of every method and then you’ll be able to choose which one suits you and your needs.
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