How to repair foundation pier?

Hey Workshoppers,

One of my senior friends called me over on this.

They have a brick house, well above the soil, sloped land (not a steep slope). Big space under the floor, supported on brick piers.

I think there's been some movement, and I've suggested an engineer, but thats costly, in the meantime, ONE of the piers has deteriorated, the remaining brickwork isn't firm (it rocks when I move it- so I think the soil has washed away. `I checked the other piers, and they seem to be plumb (straight) via a spirit level, but I'm worried about this pier. Image below.

I think in the short time, something like this Uni-Pier might help, or at least be remedial. I think we might have to get a better cement layer. My own opinion is to get a structural inspection done, but I want to get them reassured first. I doubt home insurance covers this, because it's something people should inspected regularly.

Any advice from Workshoppers welcome.

Here's the photos:

This neighbouring pier is plumb:

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Comments

JacobZ

Hi @Walter,

Many thanks for your question.

Yes, this is definitely something the owner should be engaging the services of a structural engineer for advice on, as it is likely there are a number of issues that will need to be addressed.

In the meantime, the Uni-Pier you have linked can offer some help but as they are a special-order item, it may take some time for them to be delivered from the supplier. I'd suggest using Gorilla 1.98-3.35m Galvanised Formwork Prop #2 as a temporary support with a suitably thick concrete paver as a base for the prop.

I just want to really drill home the point that this can only be used as a temporary measure and that the owner, as a matter of urgency, needs to contact a structural engineer for advice on remediation.

Please let me know what you think.

Jacob

Walter

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/36440#Comment_36440

Hey @JacobZ

thanks for your response. Yes, I've advised the pensioner that a qualified structural engineer needs to inspect, and provide a report and reccomendations.

I wouldn't want to take responsibilty for something that doesn't work. The Gorilla prop looks good, and I can see it can be raised to the right height. I picked the UNiPier, because it looks like a good wrench or spammer can raise or lower it.

With the weather events of recent time, I think I'd rather they had some reassurance of a temporary support while they get a proper inspection, so I'll get them on it.

With any luck, an engineer will be out to visit them, and probably suggest a support pillar first and then do the remedial work.

Many Thanks.

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