MOST COMMONLY USED METHODS COMPARISON:

DRILLED PIER METHOD (OUR METHOD)

- Most widely recommended by structural engineers.

- Used in large building construction.

- Extends below active soil depths.

- Not affected by moisture variations, (most common cause of foundation problems.)

- Float resistance due to widened portion at the top of the pier.

- Bearing support at the bottom where the soil is denser and more compressed.

- Angle installation for proper placement under the foundation grade beam.

- Greater friction between the pier and surrounding soil.

SPREAD FOOTING METHOD
(NOT RECOMMENDED)

- Concrete pad approximately 2' square by 1' thick.

-Only extends to a depth of 2' to 3'.

- Not below active soil nor resistant to moisture variations.

-Considered to be a temporary solution by
engineering standards.

- Less effective than drilled piers.

DRIVEN PIER
(NOT RECOMMENDED)

- Steel pipe or concrete segments (cable lock) driven into the ground against the weight of the structure.

- No way of verifying that the pipe or concrete segments are straight.

- In dry, hard soil conditions these piers cannot be driven
to adequate depths before the structure begins to rise.

- Very expensive. $$$

-Much smaller piers, have no conical friction capacity.