Pressed Steel Piers

This method makes use of interlocking steel segments. The segments are pressed, using the weight of the foundation, one on top of the previous one. Pressing continues until the point of absolute refusal is reached. The installation method is similar to the Pressed Concrete Piers method that is covered in another article.

Steel piers can reach greater depths than concrete piers because steel is smooth and the pier diameter is smaller so surface friction is not generated as quickly as with pressed concrete piers. In some soils it may be difficult to generate enough surface friction to support the foundation.

When even greater depth is desired, a ring that is slightly larger than the diameter of the steel segments is attached at the bottom of the first pier. This ring cuts a slightly larger opening through the soil minimizing surface friction allowing penetration to even greater depths.

Steel piers are usually pressed along the outside edge of the foundation and not directly under it like concrete piers. Instead a bracket is attached to the top segment of the pier that reaches under the foundation in order to provide support. There is some conjecture as to whether this promotes bowing of the pier.

This type of pier works very well in areas where bedrock can be reached. It does not work quite as well in areas like Houston where there is little chance of hitting bedrock. Steel pier installations tend to be more expensive than concrete pier installations.

Advantages

• Requires minimal soil removal
• Can reach greater depths than other types of piers
• Minimal effect on property and plants
• Installation time is minimal

Disadvantages

• Pier is not directly under foundation
• It is corrosive
• Higher Cost