Adjustable Piering System with Integrated Coupling Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrically loaded piering systems are prone to breakage due to offset loads and loose adjusting components that can fall off during soil movement, and they struggle with sloped foundation surfaces and the need for frequent adjustments after minor soil shifts.
Innovation Solution
A piering system featuring a heave plate attached to the foundation with a downward-facing socket and a coupling assembly that includes a captive nut and shim-block, supported by a headplate and pier, providing adjustable height without loose components, and a method for constructing the system that includes forming holes, placing cylinders, and securing the heave plate with concrete anchors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If concentrically loaded piering systems are installed directly under the wall, then vertical support is provided, but the system is easy to break with offset loads and has loose adjusting components that can fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjusting component and retention feature into a single integrated assembly. The adjusting component is permanently attached to the pier, eliminating separate loose components. The coupling assembly integrates the adjustment mechanism with retention features that prevent detachment during structure movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting component is pre-installed and secured to the pier before the structure is fully assembled. The retention features are built into the pier structure in advance, ensuring that components cannot fall off during subsequent construction or structure movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple loose adjusting components are used, then adjustability is provided, but the components may fall off if the structure heaves or moves after installation
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjusting functions are combined into a single integrated assembly that remains permanently attached to the pier. The coupling assembly provides adjustment capability while maintaining permanent attachment, eliminating the need for multiple separate loose components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated adjusting assembly performs multiple functions: it provides adjustability for foundation leveling, maintains permanent attachment to the pier, and serves as a retention feature preventing component detachment during structure movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the piering system requires frequent adjustments after minor soil movement, then adaptability is maintained, but time and labor are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting component is pre-installed and secured to the pier before final assembly, allowing for easy adjustment after installation. The permanent attachment enables quick repositioning without requiring disassembly or reattachment of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated adjusting assembly provides dynamic adjustability while maintaining permanent attachment. The design allows for easy repositioning and adjustment after soil movement without requiring complete disassembly or reinstallation of the pier system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the foundation bottom surface is sloped, then installation flexibility is improved, but the piering system cannot provide stable support
Solution Approach 1:
The piering system incorporates local adaptation features that allow it to accommodate sloped foundation surfaces. The adjusting component and coupling assembly are designed to work effectively on non-level surfaces, providing stable support even when the foundation bottom is sloped.
Data Source
AI summary
A piering system includes a heave plate attached to a foundation and supported by a pier. A downward facing socket is permanently attached to the heave plate. The socket receives the top end of a heavy stud of a coupling assembly, the bottom end of the stud is screwed into a captive nut of a shim-block. A nut is welded to the stud leaving about ½ inch of the stud protruding upwards for insertion into the socket. The nut may be turned to adjust the height of the stud. The shim-block and coupling assembly are supported by a head plate which is supported by the pier. The head plate includes a wide table for supporting a pair of jacks on opposite sides of a house jack facilitating installation of the system.