Abstract: An apparatus for lifting structure is provided which includes a pier and a shoe attached to the base of a structure. A sleeve, which acts as a means to guide the shoe and support the shoe on the pier, is placed on the pier and is adapted to mate with the shoe. In order to lift the structure, a lift bracket is attached to the shoe and a hydraulic ram or jack is inserted between the top of the sleeve and the bottom of the lift bracket. After the ram is extended to raise the structure to the desired level, pins are inserted through the shoe and shims inserted between the laterally extending plates of the sleeve and the pins driven through the shoe in order to permanently support the structure. After insertion of these permanent supports, the hydraulic ram and lift bracket may be removed and reused at a different site.

Abstract: A method of lifting and supporting structures, such as buildings or the like, which includes the steps of exposing the base of the structure; attaching a shoe to the base of the structure and then attaching a driving assembly to the shoe whereby the assembly may be utilized to successively and individually drive piers beneath the structure. After the piers are driven a separate pier plate unit is fitted over the end of each of the piers, which piers have been cut off at ground level. Once in place, the pier plate unit is used to support lifting means which operate between the pier plate unit and the structure to lift the structure to the desired position. After the structure has reached this position permanent, adjustable supporting means are placed between the pier plate unit and the structure whereby to retain the structure in the desired position.