The geo-lock wall anchor system consists of heavy-duty galvanized steel rods 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 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 straightening of the wall over time. Some excavation is involved in fastening the plates on the earth's 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.
The helical tie-back system consists of heavy-duty galvanized steel shafts with helical screw-like plates welded to them. They are rotated horizontally into the ground through a small hole in the failing wall. The rotation of the helix plates creates an axial thrust into the soil, and they are 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.
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 technique 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.
The helical pier system has been used since the mid-1800s and was initially used for lighthouses in sandy soil conditions. A helical pier consists of an extendable heavy-duty steel tube shaft 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 lightweight structures such as decks, porches, garages, chimneys, and single-story homes.
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 that are woven or placed tightly together. Carbon fiber is a lightweight and non-corrosive material with a tensile strength of 35,000psi and is ten times stronger than steel.
The push pier system dates back to the late 1800s 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 spaces and can be installed from the interior or exterior of a structure. They can be driven into the soil with handheld hydraulic equipment.
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.
