Stabilizing and Lifting a Home in Pleasanton, CA

Thursday, July 25th, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

Problem Overview

The homeowner in Pleasanton, CA experienced significant settling and cracking in the perimeter foundation and interior walls. The house exhibited downhill settlement of over 2.5 inches, along with some lateral movement. Previous shimming of the mudsill was observed, indicating attempts to address the foundation issues in the past. The homeowner sought a comprehensive solution to stabilize and potentially lift the perimeter foundation.

Solution

Inspection and Analysis

Our team at Foundation Repair of CA conducted a thorough inspection of the property. Key issues identified included:

Significant settling of over 2.5 inches
Cracks in the perimeter foundation and interior walls
Lateral movement in the structure
Previous shimming of the mudsill
Uneven floors and structural instability

Proposed Solution

To address these issues, we proposed the following comprehensive solution:

Stabilize and Lift Perimeter Foundation:

PushPier Installation: Install PushPiers to bedrock/firm strata at designated locations. This involves soil excavation up to 3 feet, concrete backfill, and installation of low-profile galvanized brackets.
Steel Reinforcement: Add additional steel to support cracks in the foundation and distribute wall loads effectively.
Concrete Backfill: Implement concrete backfill under the foundation at multiple pier locations to enhance lateral support.

Partially Re-level the Building:

SmartJack Installation: Install SmartJacks on footings to support the floor system above, ensuring added stability and support.
Hydraulic Lift System: Utilize a hydraulic lift system connected to all installed piers to attempt lifting the foundation back to original levels.

Additional Measures:

Concrete R & R: Remove and replace concrete sections as required for pier installation.

Implementation

Our team executed the project with precision, ensuring minimal disruption to the homeowner. Key steps included:

Mobilization: Delivering all necessary materials and equipment to the site.
Excavation and Pier Installation: Excavate soil up to 3 feet deep at designated locations and install PushPiers to reach bedrock/firm strata. Concrete backfill was applied to enhance stability.
SmartJack Assembly: SmartJacks were installed on footings as per job drawings to support the floor system.
Hydraulic Lift Procedure: A hydraulic lift system was employed to lift the foundation.

Results

The project successfully stabilized the foundation, addressing the significant settling and cracks. The homeowner was pleased with the outcome, noting a substantial reduction in visible cracks and enhanced stability of the structure.

Conclusion

This project in Pleasanton, CA, showcases the effectiveness of our comprehensive foundation stabilization and re-leveling solutions. By leveraging PushPiers, SmartJacks, and additional reinforcement measures, Foundation Repair of CA successfully addressed the homeowner's concerns, providing a safer and more stable living environment. The annual maintenance plan ensures continued monitoring and upkeep, offering peace of mind to the homeowner for years to come.