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TYPE OF PIERS
 There are generally two types of steel piers used for underpinning foundations. Resistance and Helical. Both have their advantages and best uses as described below.
Resistance Piers (diagram at left) are hydraulically pushed or driven straight down through the soil using the weight of the structure as a counter balance. The piers are pushed down until the end reaches a layer of soil hard enough to support the structure. Resistance piers are best suited for structures that need to be raised or have very heavy load requirements.
Helical Piers (diagram at right) are hydraulically twisted or turned into the soil much like a corkscrew. The piers contain one or more "flights" (see diagram) that pull the pier into the soil. These piers are screwed down until they reach soil that is thick enough to support the desired result. Since they are screwed in, they cannot be pushed or pulled out. They can be used to either support a structure or to keep a structure from coming away from the soil such as a retaining wall or a home on a hillside. These types of piers can also be used as pre-construction piers to prevent future foundation failure.
Both Resistance and Helical piers are made in a variety of configurations to support a variety of structures. The proper selection of the proper pier is an important calculation the service contractor must make prior to quoting a job. For a list of qualified contractors in your area click here.
Learn about Piering on Hillside Homes
Learn about soil reports
Causes of Foundation Failure
Symptoms of Foundation Failure
Preconstruction Piers
What should be expected of a Foundation Repair Professional?
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