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®
,
Inc.
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Chapter 4
Miscellaneous Structural Support Products
CHAPTER 4
MISCELLANEOUS STRUCTURAL SUPPORT PRODUCTS
CHAPTER 4
MISCELLANEOUS STRUCTURAL
SUPPORT PRODUCTS
4.1 - Introduction
Foundation Supportworks’ helical foundation
systems and hydraulically-driven push pier systems
are widely-accepted, proven deep foundation
support options for both residential and commercial
loading conditions. FSI is also the manufacturer or
exclusive distributor of a number of other products
that are more commonly marketed for and installed
on residential projects, yet are occasionally
considered for commercial applications as well.
TheGeo-Lock
®
WallAnchorSystem,PowerBrace
™
System and CarbonArmor
®
Wall Reinforcing
System are used to stabilize foundation walls
that are experiencing inward movement and/
or distress due to excessive lateral earth or
hydrostatic pressures generated by unbalanced
soil conditions. The Geo-Lock wall anchor
system is also routinely used to stabilize failing
retaining walls. These systems may prove to be
ideal solutions for certain commercial projects
when compared to helical tiebacks (see Section
2.8) or other proposed options because of the
smaller equipment/tools needed for installation,
the ability to install the systems in areas of limited
or difficult access, and smaller penetrations or
no penetrations needed through the walls. While
the system capacity ratings are generally better-
suited to residential loading conditions for which
they were originally considered and designed,
these products have all found practical uses and
applications elsewhere.
The SmartJack
®
System provides supplemental
support within a crawl space. SmartJacks are
installed adjacent to existing settling columns
or along the span of sagging beams and floor
joists. Again, while not used as frequently in
commercial stabilization projects, FSI has seen
applications for SmartJacks in churches, office
buildings, and hospitals where the structure is
built on a crawl space foundation.
4.2 Geo-Lock
®
Wall Anchor System
4.2.1 Summary Description
The Geo-Lock Wall Anchor System designed
and manufactured by Foundation Supportworks
is a proven method to laterally support bowed,
leaning and sheared foundation walls and
retaining walls subject to unbalanced earth
pressures. Similar-type “plate anchor” systems
have been used successfully since the late 1970s
to stabilize foundation walls and retaining walls
against further appreciable lateral movement.
The system consists of an earth anchor buried
in the ground an adequate distance from the
structure, an interior wall plate set against the
wall face being supported, and an anchor rod
to connect the two
(Figure 4.2.1.a)
. The passive
resistance of the soil in front of the earth anchor
resists lateral forces on the wall and further
inward movement. Technical specifications for
the Geo-Lock Wall Anchor System are included
in Appendix 4A.
4.2.1.1 Advantages
Some of the advantages to installing Geo-Lock
wall anchors over other wall bracing systems
may include:
• Can be installed year-round
• Most jobs completed in one day
• Minimal disturbance to home, lawn and
landscaping
• Can straighten walls over time (in many cases)
• Will not damage interior flooring
• Easily hidden within framing of walls