STRUCTURAL SUPPORT AND STABILIZATION ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR INSTALLING SAME
A pier assembly for supporting a structure has a vertically oriented central axis and includes a plurality of horizontally spaced apart elongate members disposed in the ground and arranged about the central axis. Each elongate members directly contacts the ground. Each elongate member has a length-to-width ratio greater than 10.0.
This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/171,974 filed Apr. 7, 2021, and entitled “Support and Stabilization Assemblies and Methods for Installing Same,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. This application also claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/051,482 filed Jul. 14, 2020, and entitled “Support Assemblies and Methods for Installing Same,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot applicable.
BACKGROUNDThe present disclosure relates generally to assemblies and methods for foundation underpinning. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to pier or piling assemblies and methods for installing same to support and/or level pre-existing building foundations or new construction building foundations.
Several systems and methods have been developed and used for lifting, leveling and stabilizing above-ground structures such as buildings, slabs, walls, columns, etc. One conventional technique employs a stack or pile of pre-cast concrete, cylindrical pile segments that are positioned underneath and support the structure to be stabilized and leveled. Typically, a hole is dug underneath the structure to a depth slightly greater than the height of a pile segment, then multiple pile segments are driven into the ground one on top of the other with a hydraulic ram positioned between the pile segments and the structure. The driven pile segments form a vertical stack or pile of the pre-cast pile segments, which may also be referred to as a pier. The pile segments are usually driven into the ground until a subsurface structure (e.g., rock strata) prevents further downward advancement of the pile and/or the resulting pile is believed to be sufficiently deep to support the structure. For instance, in situations where a subsurface structure preventing further downward advancement of the pile cannot be reached, the pile segments are typically driven to a depth great enough to cause sufficient friction between the earth and the outer surfaces of the pile segments to prevent substantial vertical movement of the pile. Next, a jack is positioned on the upper end of the pile, between the uppermost pile segment and the structure, and the structure is raised to the desired height with the jack.
BRIEF SUMMARYEmbodiments of pier assemblies for supporting structures are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a pier assembly for supporting a structure has a vertically oriented central axis and comprises a plurality of horizontally spaced apart elongate members disposed in the ground and arranged about the central axis of the pier assembly. Each elongate member directly contacts the ground. Each elongate member has a length-to-width ratio greater than 10.0.
Embodiments of pier assemblies for resisting lateral movements of structures are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a pier assembly for resisting lateral movement of a structure comprises a plurality of horizontally spaced elongate members positioned laterally adjacent to the structure. Each elongate member extends downward from the structure into the ground and each elongate member directly contacts the ground. An upper end of each elongate member is fixably coupled to an outer periphery of the structure. Each elongate member has a length-to-width ratio greater than 10.0.
Embodiments of methods for installing piers coupled to structures are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a method for installing a pier coupled to a structure comprises (a) bending a first elongate member having a lower end inserted into the ground and an upper end coupled to a driver. In addition, the method comprises (b) actuating the driver to advance the lower end into and through the ground during (a). Further, the method comprises (c) bending a second elongate member having a lower end inserted into the ground and an upper end coupled to the driver after (b). Still further, the method comprises (d) actuating the driver to advance the lower end of the second elongate member into and through the ground during (c). Each elongate member has a length-to-width ratio greater than 10.0.
Embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features and characteristics intended to address various shortcomings associated with certain prior devices, systems, and methods. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical characteristics of the disclosed embodiments in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. The various characteristics and features described above, as well as others, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be appreciated that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes as the disclosed embodiments. It should also be realized that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the principles disclosed herein.
For a detailed description of various exemplary embodiments, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
The following discussion is directed to various exemplary embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples disclosed herein have broad application, and that the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.
The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and components herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in interest of clarity and conciseness.
In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . .” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection of the two devices, or through an indirect connection that is established via other devices, components, nodes, and connections. In addition, as used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” generally mean along or parallel to a given axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “radial” and “radially” generally mean perpendicular to the given axis. For instance, an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the axis, and a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the axis. As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and the like mean within 10% (i.e., plus or minus 10%) of the recited value. Thus, for example, a recited angle of “about 80 degrees” refers to an angle ranging from 72 degrees to 88 degrees.
As previously described, some conventional methods for installing piles and piers use pre-cast concrete cylindrical pile segments that are pressed into the soil using a hydraulic ram positioned between the pre-existing structure to be supported and the upper most pile segment. The ram bears against the pre-existing structure to push the pile segments into the ground. After each pile segment is pressed into the soil, the hydraulic ram is released, another pile segment is placed on top of the previous pile segment, and the hydraulic ram is again pressurized to further drive the vertical stack of pile segments into the soil. Ideally, this procedure is repeated to form a pier or pile that extends to a depth sufficient to support the structure, however this is not always possible and a shorter and less supportive pier may result. For example, localized dense rock or soil strata may resist further driving via the hydraulic ram, yet the pier may still not be adequately supportive if it does not extend to a static zone where minimal soil movement occurs. In addition, such conventional methods require a pre-existing structure for the hydraulic ram to push against, and thus, typically cannot be used with new construction (i.e., cannot be installed prior to the construction of the structure itself). Still further, such conventional methods are limited by the weight of the pre-existing structure, as the maximum pushing force of the hydraulic ram is limited to the weight of the pre-existing structure as a force in excess of the weight of the pre-existing structure will simply raise the structure upward without advancing the depth of the stack of pile segments. Stated differently, the driving depth of the stack of pile segments is directly related to the weight of the pre-existing structure. Therefore, in some applications, relatively light weight structures may not allow for the installation of piers to sufficient depths. It should also be appreciated that pushing with a sufficient force against the pre-existing structure may damage the pre-existing structure. For example, if the force applied by a hydraulic ram is sufficiently large to lift a portion of the pre-existing structure while other portions remain substantially stationary, undesirable flexing of the pre-existing structure may occur. Accordingly, embodiments of pier assemblies and methods disclosed herein enable pier depths that are independent of the structure to be supported or leveled (e.g., independent of the weight of a pre-existing structure), and further, can be used with pre-existing structures or in new construction applications (i.e., prior to the structure being built). In addition, embodiments of pier assemblies and methods disclosed herein can be employed without exerting substantial loads on pre-exiting structures as compared to conventional methods, and thus, may be used to preserve the mechanical integrity of pre-existing structures.
Referring now to
In
In general, pier assemblies 100, 200, 300 may be used individually or in combination to support structure 2. For explanatory purposes, three different pier assemblies 100, 200, 300 are shown in
As used herein, the term “elongate” is used to refer to an object that has a length that is substantially greater than its width. In general, the ratio of the length of an object measured parallel to its longitudinal axis to its maximum width or diameter (for objects having a circular cross-section) measured perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, also referred to herein as a “length-to-width ratio,” can be used to quantify and characterize the degree to which the object is “elongate.” For most applications, embodiments of elongate members 130 described herein have a length of at least 10 feet, alternatively at least 20 feet, alternatively at least 40 feet, or alternatively at least 60 feet; and a maximum width or diameter less than or equal to 2.0 inches, alternatively less than or equal to 1.25 inches, alternatively less than or equal to 1.0 inches, alternatively less than or equal to 0.75 inches, alternatively less than or equal to 0.625 inches, alternatively less than or equal to 0.5 inches, alternatively less than or equal to 0.375 inches, or alternatively less than or equal to 0.25 inches. Accordingly, for most applications, embodiments of elongate members 130 described herein have a length-to-width ratio of at least 10.0, at least 20.0, at least 100.0, at least 160.0, at least 190.0, or at least 240.0. In general, the smaller the maximum width or diameter of an elongate member 130, the easier it is to advance the elongate member 130 to a greater depth D. It should be appreciated that the maximum width or diameter of each elongate member 130 and the length-to-width ratio of each elongate member 130 may be varied and adjusted depending on a variety of factors including, without limitation, the particular application, the condition of the soil, the weight of the structure to be supported, the type of structure to be supported, the desired depth to be advanced into the soil, or combinations thereof. As will be described in more detail below, elongate members 130 are made of relatively rigid metal such as steel, however, due to the relatively large length-to-width ratios, elongate members 130 can elastically flex during installation. In this embodiment, each elongate member 130 is an elongate, solid metal rod having a solid, continuous cross-sectional taken in any plane oriented perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, and in particular, each elongate member 130 is steel rebar. It should be appreciated that rebar has a textured, ribbed outer surface that provides an increased outer surface area for frictionally engaging the ground 4, which offers the potential to enhance stability in the ground 4. In general, each hole 20 is excavated to provide sufficient clearance beside or below structure 2 and supports 6 for the installation of the corresponding pier assembly 100, 200, 300.
Referring now to
Referring still to
Plate 120 is sized such that it extends radially and horizontally beyond the upper ends 130b of the radially outermost elongate members 130, and thus, plate 120 covers and sits directly on top of the upper ends 130b of the plurality of elongate members 130. In other words, the upper end 130b of each elongate member 130 abuts lower planer surface 120b of plate 120. As shown in
Referring now to
In
Moving now to block 430, a plurality of elongate members 130 are driven downward into the bottom of hole 20 and into the ground 4 therebelow as shown in
As shown in
As described above, elongate members 130 are driven directly into the ground 4. In this embodiment, elongate members 130 are not driven through or guided by a guide or other structure. For example, in this embodiment, a rigid guide is not placed in hole 20 or above the ground 4 for guiding elongate members 130 in a particular direction or orientation as they are driven into the ground 4 in block 430. This offers the potential to simplify installation, reduce installation time, and reduce installation costs.
Moving now to block 440 of
Referring still to
Without being limited by this or any particular theory, the bell arrangement 113 (as shown in
Referring to
In this embodiment, pier assembly 200 has central axis 215, and includes a plurality of elongate members 130 extending to static zone 14 and a plurality of rigid cylinders 260 seated directly on top of the plurality of elongate members 130. As shown in
Cylinders 260 are stacked one atop the other on to form a vertical stack on top of upper ends 130b of elongate members 130. Each cylinder 260 and the stack of cylinders 260 are coaxially aligned with axis 215. Cylinders 260 may be pre-cast concrete segments or may include additional layers (e.g., such as a separate or cast-in steel layer) to reduce damage to the end of cylinder 260 directly abutting upper ends 130b of elongate members 130. Cylinders 260 may be stacked to directly abut and support structure 2; or additional supports 6, 150, distribution blocks 160, shims 152, or combinations thereof may be used as needed, in the manner previously described with respect to pier assembly 100.
Referring now to
In
Moving next to block 530, a plurality of elongate members 130 are driven downward into the bottom of hole 20 and into the ground 4 therebelow as shown in
Referring again to
Next, in block 550 jack 140 may be used to lift structure 2 in the manner previously described. In particular, the lifting according to block 550 may be performed on one pier assembly 200 at a time or be performed with a plurality of jacks 140 installed on a plurality of pier assemblies 200 concurrently. After the desired lifting or loading of structure 2 is achieved, a support 250 may be installed between the upper most cylinder 260 and structure 2 in block 560 and as shown in
Referring again to
In this embodiment, pier assembly 300 includes a plurality of horizontally spaced elongate members 130 with upper ends 130b positioned laterally adjacent a support 6 of structure 2 (e.g., for example along an outer perimeter of structure 2). In particular, in this embodiment, a plurality of elongate members 130 are arranged along a linear path that follows the outer perimeter of a support 6 at an exterior edge of structure 2. Thus, upper ends 130b are disposed in a common plane oriented parallel to the outer perimeter of support 6 and structure 2.
Referring now to
Referring now to
In
Moving next to block 630, a plurality of elongate members 130 are driven downward into the bottom of hole 20 and into the ground 4 therebelow as shown in
Moving now to block 640 in
Referring now to
In the manner described, embodiments disclosed herein include pier systems and methods of installing pier systems which may be used with a pre-existing structure, or may be used independently of a structure. For example, embodiments of pier assemblies disclosed herein (e.g., pier assemblies 100, 200, 300) are configured to provide and do provide vertical, upward forces sufficient to support the weight (or portion thereof) of a structure (e.g., pre-existing structure 2). The disclosed systems and methods allow piers to be installed while applying no force or only a relatively small force to the pre-existing structure, and thus may be used to preserve the mechanical integrity of such structures. In addition, systems and methods disclosed herein include systems which can achieve pier depths which are independent of the pre-existing structure weight, and as a result may be used for variable weight structures, for new construction where no structure is present, or installed beside a structure to provide lateral stabilization rather than lifting support.
As shown in
While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teachings herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the systems, apparatus, and processes described herein are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is only limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the steps in a method claim may be performed in any order. The recitation of identifiers such as (a), (b), (c) or (1), (2), (3) before steps in a method claim are not intended to and do not specify a particular order to the steps, but rather are used to simplify subsequent reference to such steps.
Claims
1. A pier assembly for supporting a structure, the pier assembly having a vertically oriented central axis and comprising:
- a plurality of horizontally spaced apart elongate members disposed in the ground and arranged about the central axis of the pier assembly, wherein each elongate member directly contacts the ground; and
- wherein each elongate member has a length-to-width ratio greater than 10.0.
2. The pier assembly of claim 1, wherein each elongate member extends through or from a hole disposed beneath the structure into the ground, wherein an upper end of each elongate member is positioned at a bottom of the hole.
3. The pier assembly of claim 2, wherein each elongate member has a width or diameter less than or equal to 1.0 in.
4. The pier assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more of the elongate members is oriented at an acute angle relative to the central axis of the pier assembly.
5. The pier assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of elongate members is oriented parallel to the central axis of the pier assembly.
6. The pier assembly of claim 1, further comprising a concrete cylinder disposed on an upper end of each elongate member, wherein a lower surface of the concrete cylinder directly engages the upper ends of the elongate members.
7. The pier assembly of claim 6, wherein the concrete cylinder is coaxially aligned with the central axis of the pier assembly and at least a portion of the concrete cylinder extends below a bottom surface of the hole.
8. The pier assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cover plate disposed on top of the elongate members, wherein the cover plate directly engages an upper end of each elongate member; and
- a support positioned between the cover plate and the structure.
9. The pier assembly of claim 1, wherein each elongate member comprises rebar.
10. A pier assembly for resisting lateral movement of a structure, the pier assembly comprising:
- a plurality of horizontally spaced elongate members positioned laterally adjacent to the structure;
- wherein each elongate member extends downward from the structure into the ground and each elongate member directly contacts the ground;
- where an upper end of each elongate member is fixably coupled to an outer periphery of the structure; and
- wherein each elongate member has a length-to-width ratio greater than 10.0.
11. The pier assembly of claim 10, wherein the upper end of each elongate member is fixably coupled to the structure with a bracket.
12. The pier assembly of claim 11, wherein each bracket comprises a metal plate fixably attached to the structure and the upper end of the corresponding elongate member, wherein the metal plate is encased in epoxy or concrete.
13. The pier assembly of claim 10, wherein an upper end of each elongate member is disposed in a plane oriented parallel to the outer periphery of the structure.
14. The pier assembly of claim 10, wherein each elongate member is vertically oriented.
15. A method for installing a pier coupled to a structure, the method comprising:
- (a) bending a first elongate member having a lower end inserted into the ground and an upper end coupled to a driver;
- (b) actuating the driver to advance the lower end into and through the ground during (a);
- (c) bending a second elongate member having a lower end inserted into the ground and an upper end coupled to the driver after (b); and
- (d) actuating the driver to advance the lower end of the second elongate member into and through the ground during (c);
- wherein each elongate member has a length-to-width ratio greater than 10.0.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein each elongate member has a width less than or equal to 1.0 in.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first elongate member is oriented at an acute angle relative to the second elongate member after (b) and (d).
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
- (e) positioning a cover plate on top of the first elongate member and the second elongate member after (d);
- (f) placing a jack on the cover plate after (e);
- (g) lifting the structure with the jack after (e); and
- (h) installing a support between the cover plate and the structure.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
- (e) coupling the first elongate member and the second elongate member to an outer periphery of the structure.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
- (e) placing a cylinder into abutting contact with the first elongate member and the second elongate member after (d);
- (f) placing a jack between the structure and the cylinder;
- (g) pressing the cylinder beneath the ground with the jack after (f); and
- (h) installing a support between the cylinder and the structure.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 14, 2021
Publication Date: Feb 10, 2022
Inventor: Mark Anthony S. Dimitrijevic (Spring, TX)
Application Number: 17/375,892