Abstract: A device for stabilizing a metal pier installed in the ground. The device includes a device to provide lateral support to the pier and a shaft configured so that a force imposed, parallel to an axis of the pier, on the device is not imposed on the pier. A method of stabilizing a pier installed in ground to support a structure. The method includes determining the location of an unstable soil zone of the ground and a stable soil zone of the ground. The method also includes placing a stabilizing plate in the unstable soil zone to provide lateral support to the pier. A device configured to lift a foundation slab above the ground. The device includes a lifting bolt and apparatus that restricts lateral deflection of the pier when a torque is applied to the lifting bolt to raise the slab. A method of stabilizing soil around a pier.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for foundation lifting and retention using fluid drive actuators are described. A foundation lift system of embodiments may include expendable fluid drive actuators operable to provide lifting forces with respect to a foundation structure using a fluid pressure (e.g., hydraulic and/or pneumatic) drive mechanism and utilize one or more locking mechanisms and/or fluids operable to persistently lock the lift assemblies in an extended state to retain the foundation structure in its lifted position. Curable fluids injected into expendable fluid drive actuators of embodiments may be configured to solidify within the drive mechanism and impede movement of the lift assemblies subsequent to a foundation lifting operation. Additionally, one or more locking mechanisms may be configured to engagedly retain the expendable fluid drive actuator in an extended state subsequent to the foundation lifting operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for lifted foundation retention using foundation lift retainer assemblies having a locking cap configuration are described. A locking cap foundation retention system of embodiments may include a foundation lift interface assembly supporting operations to lift a foundation and a foundation lift retainer assembly having a locking cap configuration utilized in sustaining the foundation in a lifted position. A locking cap of embodiments is configured to accommodate operation of a removable lift mechanism lifting a foundation and thereafter for sustaining the foundation in the lifted position.

Abstract: To prevent lateral soil migration beneath a slab foundation lifted over a ground surface, a plurality of skirts are placed in the ground surface to define a foundation perimeter. A slab foundation is formed within an interior space of the foundation perimeter. The plurality of skirts are secured to the slab foundation via one or more anchors protruding from a portion of each skirt toward the interior space of the foundation perimeter. The slab foundation is raised above the ground surface to create a void that permits vertical expansion of soil without subjecting the slab foundation varying forces associated with the dynamic nature of the soil. The plurality of skirts are raised along with the slab foundation and operate as a barrier that circumscribes the void space and resists lateral soil migration into the void from the exterior of the foundation perimeter.