Foundation settlement can create significant challenges for existing buildings. Cracks in masonry, uneven floors, sticking doors and windows, and localized movement can indicate that part of a structure is no longer adequately supported by the near-surface soil.

When foundation movement requires structural intervention, steel push piers provide one method for transferring building loads from unstable near-surface soils toward deeper supporting strata.

Unlike helical piles, which are mechanically rotated into the ground using helical plates, push piers are advanced into the soil using the existing structure or suitable hydraulic equipment as the reaction force. This makes them a distinct foundation stabilization technology for selected underpinning projects.

Better Screw Co. manufactures steel push pier systems, foundation brackets and related components for foundation stabilization and underpinning applications.

Why Foundation Settlement Requires Load Transfer

The performance of a building foundation depends heavily on the soil beneath it.

If near-surface soil has insufficient bearing capacity, experiences excessive moisture changes, or becomes compressed over time, a foundation may settle.

In a stabilization project, simply repairing visible cracks does not necessarily address the underlying structural problem.

The objective may instead be to establish a more reliable load-transfer path:

Existing structure → foundation bracket → push pier → deeper supporting soil

This approach allows the stabilization system to work with the existing foundation rather than requiring complete replacement of the original foundation.

What Is a Steel Push Pier?

A steel push pier is a structural foundation component consisting of steel pier sections and connection components.

The pier sections are progressively installed into the soil until an appropriate bearing condition is reached. The individual sections can be connected as installation progresses.

After the pier reaches the required depth and the system is properly connected to the foundation, structural load can be transferred through the pier toward the supporting soil.

Better Screw Co.'s push pier system uses 3-inch-diameter shaft pipe, while other sizes can be customized. The listed pier tube uses ASTM A500 Grade B/C steel, with a specified minimum yield tensile strength of 70,000 psi.

Push Piers and Existing Foundation Stabilization

Push piers are particularly relevant when the objective is to stabilize an existing foundation.

Potential applications include:

• Residential foundation stabilization

• Commercial building repair

• Localized foundation settlement

• Structural underpinning

• Masonry foundation reinforcement

• Existing wall stabilization

• Load transfer beneath settled foundations

The actual suitability of a push pier system depends on geotechnical conditions, structural loads, installation access and engineering design.

Better Screw Co. identifies foundation repair and underpinning among its core areas of business. Its product portfolio includes both steel push piers and multiple foundation bracket configurations.

The Role of the Foundation Bracket

A push pier is not an independent solution.

The connection between the pier and the existing foundation is a critical part of the system.

A foundation bracket transfers the structural load from the building foundation into the pier. The bracket must therefore be compatible with the foundation geometry, pier dimensions and project loading requirements.

Better Screw Co.'s standard underpinning bracket is manufactured from steel and hot-dip galvanized. The company lists an ultimate strength rating of 40,000 pounds for this bracket configuration.

Other bracket and connection configurations can also be manufactured according to customer requirements.

Installation in Restricted Working Areas

Foundation stabilization frequently takes place after a building has already been completed.

This means contractors may need to work around:

• Existing walls

• Finished floors

• Landscaping

• Driveways

• Utility lines

• Adjacent properties

• Occupied spaces

A push pier system can be installed in sections, which can be useful when working space is restricted.

The installation method also avoids the need to excavate and replace an entire foundation in many stabilization scenarios. However, excavation requirements and installation procedures remain project-specific.

Hydraulic Installation and Controlled Advancement

Push pier installation uses hydraulic force to advance pier sections through the soil.

The pier sections are installed progressively rather than requiring one extremely long component to be handled at once.

This modular installation method can be useful when equipment access is limited or when the working area around the building is constrained.

Once the pier reaches the required bearing condition, the connection assembly can be completed between the pier and the existing foundation.

The installation sequence should always follow the engineering design and the requirements of the specific foundation stabilization project.

Testing and Material Selection

Material quality is particularly important for structural foundation components.

Better Screw Co. specifies ASTM A500 Grade B/C steel for its push pier tube and uses ASTM A36 hot-rolled steel for several bracket and plate components. The company's listed system has been independently laboratory tested to peak loads exceeding 70,000 pounds.

The company also offers galvanized or bare-steel surface treatments depending on project requirements.

These specifications provide contractors and distributors with defined material information when evaluating OEM foundation components.

OEM Push Pier Manufacturing

Foundation contractors and distributors may require push pier systems in dimensions that differ from standard products.

Better Screw Co. states that it provides OEM manufacturing and can customize product dimensions and materials according to customer requirements.

Customization can involve:

• Pier diameter

• Wall thickness

• Pier length

• Bracket dimensions

• Plate thickness

• Connection hardware

• Surface treatment

• Material specifications

This is particularly relevant for distributors that need foundation stabilization components manufactured to an existing product design.

A Specialized Option for Foundation Stabilization

Foundation stabilization requires more than simply adding steel beneath a building. The system must establish a reliable structural load path between the existing foundation and suitable supporting soil.

For appropriate projects, steel push piers combined with engineered underpinning brackets can provide a practical method for transferring loads and stabilizing existing foundations.

Better Screw Co. supplies steel push piers, underpinning brackets, helical piles and other foundation-support components for OEM customers and foundation contractors