Doug Lacey's Basement Systems Case Studies: The Quinlan Project
Challenge
A two story home in south west Calgary began to experience foundation settlement in different corners of the structure.
Over the years, the homeowners witnessed cracking in different corners of the interior of the home and a dip in the main floor in the middle of the home, causing significant damage to their home.
The settlement was different depths in all the different corners. It was discovered that at some time the front water main was damaged and leaked for over a week period! The constant water seepage started to settle under the home to create a kind of "Quicksand" effect, causing the entire foundation to settle. The worst depth to the settlement was almost two inches!
Additionally, under the basement slab had settled and created a giant void.
The homeowners noticed cracks in drywall throughout portions of the home as well.
Realizing that it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to sell the home in this condition, the homeowners began researching their options to fix the problem.
Solution
After consulting with Doug Lacey's Basement Systems, it was determined that the Foundation Supportworks™ Model 288 Push Pier System would be the optimal solution to not only permanently stabilize the foundation, but also give the best opportunity to lift the structure back to a level position. L-shaped foundation brackets and Flush Mount foundation brackets were positioned below and against the home's footings and hydraulic cylinders were used to lift the foundation.
The piers were driven to an average depth of 16 feet to achieve ultimate load capacities of more than 43,000 pounds.
After the piers were driven to a load bearing strata, the structure was lifted approximately 1 inch to a level position, making the garage door operational once again.
The piers effectively stabilized the foundation and restored the home's value. The homeowner then went ahead and filled under the basement slab with a mud filling to fill in the void that was created and to eliminate the echo that was under the slab.
The homeowners before the repair had two or more potential buyers walk away from the home because of the foundation issues? Now the home has a 25 year transferable warranty and will be on solid ground for many years to come.
Project Summary
Project Leader:: Chad Lacey
Project Designer:: Chad Lacey & Eric Hansen
Project Engineer:: Bashir Chaudhary- P.Eng., M.Sc.
Project Lead Foreman:: Cyle Lacey
Products Installed:: (26) Foundation Supportworks Model 288 Push Piers
Company Name:: Doug Lacey's Basement Systems