Serving Evansville, Henderson, Mt. Vernon, & Owensboro.

Hi-tech solutions for foundation problems

Wall Repair with Plate Anchors

Problem: bowing walls

geo-lock wall anchors

The geo-lock wall anchor system consist of heavy duty galvanized steel rods that are driven at a slight downward angle through the failing wall and into the soil away from the wall until the minimum depth is reached. They are then clamped with a low profile steel plate on each side of the rod and tightened to a specific torque. The plates can be periodically tightened when soil conditions are dry to achieve a straightening of the wall over time. There is some excavation involved to fasten the plates on the earth side. This method works best when coupled with a hydrostatic pressure relief system or when any other causes of pressure against the wall are addressed.

Advantages:
  • A permanent solution when root causes are also addressed
  • Can be installed in any season
  • Ease of installation compared to other methodsMinimal disturbance to the soil compared to complete excavation
  • Shores wall immediately after installation-Immediate proof testingCan restore wall to its original positionInstalls in areas with limited access
Disadvantages:
  • Requires some excavation
  • Tree roots and utilities could prevent this method from being used
Wall Repair with Helical Tiebacks

Problem: bowing walls

Helical Tie-Back anchors

The helical tie-backs system consists of heavy duty galvanized steel shafts with helical screw like plates welded to them. They are rotated into the ground horizontally and through a small hole in the failing wall. The rotation of the helix plates create an axil thrust into the soil and is rotated until the minimum torque is achieved. This system will resist opposing pressure on the wall, but may not straighten the wall in more severe cases without excavation to relieve pressure.

Advantages:
  • A permanent solution when root causes are also addressed
  • Can be removed when used as a temporary fix
  • Can be installed in any season
  • Ease of installation compared to other methods
  • Minimal disturbance to the soil in less severe cases
  • Shores wall immediately after installation
  • Immediate proof testing
  • Can restore wall to its original position (in less severe cases or with excavation)
  • Installs in areas with limited access
Disadvantages:
  • Cannot continually adjust for improvement
  • Tree roots and utilities could prevent this method from being used
  • May require extensive excavation
drawing of a metal beam

Problem: bowing walls

Steel i-beams

Steel beams have been used for decades to stabilize bowing basement walls and when done using our method can provide resistance pressure that over time can straighten the wall. The method involves anchoring the beam to the floor joist above and then hydraulically pushing at the bottom of the beam until it rests flush against the wall. Once the beam is braced at the bottom, concrete is then poured around the beam and level with the floor for a permanent hold.

Advantages:
  • Can be used when the anchoring systems cannot
  • Provide consistent resistance pressure
  • Can bring wall back to original position
Disadvantages:
  • Requires removing sections of basement floor
  • Must allow time for concrete to cure
Wall Repair with Plate Anchors

problem: unstable / sinking foundation

solution: helical piers

The helical pier system has been used since the mid 1800’s and were originally used for light houses in sandy soil conditions. A helical pier consists of an extendable heavy duty steel tube shafts with screw like helical bearing plates welded to it. They come in various sizes with additional plates specific to the load requirements and soil denseness. The shafts are turned/screwed downward into the soil until the proper depth is achieved or load bearing strata is reached. Helical piers are used in new and existing construction and are ideal for light weight structures such as decks, porches, garages, chimneys and single story homes.

Advantages:
  • A permanent solution to stabilize a structure
  • Can be installed in any season
  • Ease of installation compared to other methods
  • Minimal disturbance to soil
  • Immediate load bearing after installation
  • Ideal when soil conditions are known
  • Can restore foundation to its original position
Limitations:
  • Not easily installed in tight spaces
Read more here (PDF)
carbon fiber and epoxy  injections for wall repairs

Problem: bowing walls

Carbon fiber straps

Carbon fiber straps are the least intrusive and cost effective way to stabilize a bowing basement wall where the deflection is not greater than 2”. They are made up of carbon fiber reinforced polymers which are woven or placed tightly together. It is a lightweight and non-corrosive material that has a tensile strength of 35,000psi and is ten times stronger than steel.

Advantages:
  • Quick and easy installation
  • A cost-effective method
  • Strong, permanent fix
  • Maintenance free
  • Non-obtrusive to the area
Disadvantages:
  • Cannot be applied on deflections greater than two inches
  • The wall can still move as a whole from the bottom
Steel Push Piers to stabilize your foundation

Problem: settlement

solution: push piers

The push pier system dates back to the late 1800’s and was developed primarily to address building settlement. A push pier consists of an extendable heavy duty steel tube shaft that is hydraulically driven through a steel foundation bracket and into the soil until the specific depth of load bearing strata or bedrock is achieved. The push pier system is ideal for heavier buildings as it uses the structure as a point of resistance when driven into the soil. Push piers are ideal for tight space and can be installed from the interior or exterior of a structure. They can be driven into the soil with handheld hydraulic equipment.

Advantages:
  • A permanent solution when root causes are also addressed Can be installed in any season
  • Ease of installation compared to other methodsMinimal disturbance to the soil compared to complete excavation
  • Shores wall immediately after installation-Immediate proof testingCan restore wall to its original positionInstalls in areas with limited access
Disadvantages:
  • Requires some excavation
  • Tree roots and utilities could prevent this method from being used
Read more here (PDF)

Why put it off? Let's talk about it.

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We've been serving the greater Evansville area for three decades. Get to know us.

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GET TO KNOW US

Tye Dickens, Founder and CEO

At Midwest Structural Solutions, we like to say that a home is only as good as its foundation. So it only makes sense to tell you about our own deep-rooted foundation as trusted construction partners in the tri-state area.

What makes Midwest Structural Solutions stand out is the fundamental experience and expertise in the building trades that we bring to every project. Owned and operated by local mason and home builder, Tye Dickens, MSS did not start out "fixing leaky basements," but rather developed a division of our existing company to handle the ever growing request for foundation issues.

Tye first began building his local reputation in masonry, in the early 1990s, and later expanded into home-building. The expertise from these endeavors not only elevates the Midwest Structural Solutions team's understanding of structures, but gives us the edge on craftsmanship. We take pride in our work and do our best to make sure our customers have a comprehensive understanding not only of their particular foundation issues, but of all the possible solutions.

We hope you'll trust us with your home or place of business as so many others in this area already have.

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