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Chapter 4
Miscellaneous Structural Support Products
CHAPTER 4
MISCELLANEOUS STRUCTURAL SUPPORT PRODUCTS
4.5 SmartJack
®
System
4.5.1 Summary Description
The Foundation Supportworks SmartJack is a
supplemental support system most commonly
used for crawl space applications. The SmartJack
effectively supports sagging beams and floor
joists caused by:
• length of span greater than spanning capability
of the members,
• floor load added after construction exceeding
design values, and
• weakening of members over time due to high
moisture and rot.
The SmartJack may also be used as a
supplemental column support where an existing
column and pier foundation has settled. The
system generally consists of a two-foot square
by two-foot deep excavation backfilled with
crushed stone, a precast concrete footing, round
steel tube, threaded rod and top plate
(Figure
4.5.1.a)
. A concrete footing could be considered
in lieu of, or as a partial replacement for, the
cube of crushed stone. The crushed stone not
only absorbs and dissipates the structural loads
to the surrounding soils, but it also allows for
SmartJack installation to often be completed
in one day. Model 288 (2.875-inch O.D. tube)
and Model 350 (3.50-inch O.D. tube) SmartJack
technical specifications and design guides are
included in Appendix 4D.
4.5.1.1 Advantages
• Installs in tight conditions where height or
access is limited
• Crushed stone footing “system” effectively
transfers load to existing soils
• Can usually be installed in less than one day
• Immediate stabilization and results
• Can be installed in conjunction with a crawl
space liner
Figure 4.5.1.a
Rendering of SmartJacks providing supplemental support for a beam in a crawl space