Solution
Concrete Piers: Pressed Cylinder Foundation Support
A corrosion-free pier option for specific soil and site conditions — driven to refusal with the structure doing the work.
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Pressed concrete cylinder piers are segments of high-strength concrete stacked and hydraulically driven to refusal beneath a settling foundation, using the weight of the structure itself as the reaction force. Unlike steel push piers or helical piers, concrete piers introduce no metal into the soil — making them appropriate in aggressive-soil environments where long-term steel corrosion is a concern. Ground Up Foundation Repair evaluates all pier system options during every inspection and will recommend concrete piers when they're the right fit for your soil conditions and foundation type.
How It Works
A section of soil is excavated beneath the foundation footing at each pier location, creating a small pit that gives access to the underside of the concrete foundation. Concrete cylinders — precast segments typically 6 inches in diameter and 6 to 12 inches tall — are stacked in the pit and driven using a hydraulic ram that pushes against a drive bracket seated against the foundation. As each cylinder is driven, the next is added until the stack reaches refusal — the point where the soil resistance equals the loaded driving force, indicating the cylinders have found competent bearing material. A load transfer bracket is then set between the top cylinder and the foundation footing, and the structure is hydraulically raised to the target elevation before the bracket is locked in. Excavation pits are backfilled and compacted.
Problems This Solves
"Concrete piers are a solid, proven system for the right site conditions. In soils where you want a corrosion-free pier that uses the building's own weight to find bearing, pressed concrete cylinders do exactly that — and they've been doing it reliably for a long time."
How It Works
What to expect from start to finish.
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Foundation Inspection and Pier Layout
We assess the extent of settlement, identify the foundation type, and determine pier spacing along the affected wall segment. Concrete piers are spaced based on the tributary load each pier will carry — typically every 6 to 8 feet for residential foundations.
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Excavation at Each Pier Location
A small pit — approximately 2 by 2 feet — is hand-dug beneath the foundation footing at each pier location. The pit gives access to the underside of the footing where the drive bracket will be seated.
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Drive Bracket Installation
A steel drive bracket is seated against the underside and face of the foundation footing. The bracket distributes the hydraulic driving force across the footing without damaging the concrete.
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Cylinder Stacking and Hydraulic Driving
Concrete cylinders are stacked and driven using a hydraulic ram until the stack reaches refusal. The number of cylinders needed varies by site — in Middle Tennessee's clay soils, it may take 10 to 25 or more cylinders to reach bearing. Driving force is monitored and recorded.
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Load Transfer and Leveling
A load transfer shim or plate is set between the top cylinder and the foundation footing. Using a coordinated set of hydraulic jacks at all pier locations simultaneously, the foundation is lifted to target elevation, bringing floors and wall framing back toward level.
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Backfill, Compaction, and Cleanup
The excavation pits are backfilled with the removed soil and compacted. Landscaping and grade are restored as close to original condition as possible. We document the installation and review warranty terms before leaving.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes concrete piers different from steel push piers?
Concrete piers are precast concrete cylinders stacked and driven; steel push piers are hollow steel pipes driven in sections. Both use the structure's weight as the driving reaction. Concrete piers introduce no metal into the soil — an advantage in high-sulfate or highly acidic soils where steel corrosion is a long-term concern. Steel push piers can typically be driven to greater depths and are more commonly used in deep-soil situations.
How deep do concrete piers go?
Depth is determined by where the soil reaches refusal — where it resists the driving force equivalent to the loaded structure weight. In Middle Tennessee's clay soils, this typically occurs at 10 to 25 feet, but site conditions vary. Refusal depth is logged at each pier location during installation.
Will concrete piers work in Murfreesboro's red clay?
Yes. Middle Tennessee's red clay soils develop sufficient skin friction along the cylinder column and end bearing at depth. Concrete piers have been used successfully in this region's clay profiles for decades. The exact suitability for your specific lot is confirmed during the site inspection.
Can concrete piers lift my foundation back to its original level?
In most cases, yes — partial to full recovery of settled elevation is achievable. Some settlement occurs gradually and the framing adjusts over time; aggressive lifting can crack drywall or plaster in a settled structure. We discuss realistic recovery goals and plan the lift sequence to minimize interior disturbance.
How long does a concrete pier installation take?
A typical residential project with 6 to 10 piers takes one to two days. Excavation, driving, and backfill at each location is sequential work. We access the exterior perimeter of the house and restore grade before leaving.