Project Spotlight: Broomfield, CO – Helical Pier and Transfer Beam Installation
At Ram Jack of Colorado, we pride ourselves on delivering engineered, long-term solutions for foundation issues caused by Colorado’s challenging soil conditions. A recent project in Broomfield, CO showcased our commitment to addressing root causes, not just symptoms, with the help of helical piers.
The Problem: Deck Column Heave and Misalignment
We were called to a residential property in Broomfield to assess deck columns showing signs of movement. One particular column was visibly out of alignment, leaning to the west, with brick cracking around the base. Using a level, we confirmed the column had heaved and was bowing due to expansive soil beneath the footing.
The homeowner informed us that a previous contractor had installed a single pier years earlier to address a similar problem. However, the issue resurfaced, indicating that the repair didn’t address the underlying soil movement.
Our Engineered Solution: Helical Piers, Transfer Beam, and SureVoid
After reviewing the previous repair plan and conducting a thorough evaluation, we proposed a more robust, engineered solution:
- Install two Ram Jack helical piers on either side of the affected column.
- Add a steel I-beam transfer beam beneath the concrete footing to distribute the load evenly to the new piers.
- Incorporate SureVoid forms to accommodate future soil expansion and prevent additional upward pressure.
Installation Process
To address the homeowner’s foundation concerns, our crew began by carefully excavating around the failing deck column and footing. This exposed a previously installed square bar pier that was no longer performing as needed.
We removed the ineffective pier and replaced it with a more robust system:
Two Ram Jack helical piers were driven deep to reach stable load-bearing strata on both sides of the column.
A steel I-beam was set beneath the existing 2′ x 2′ concrete footing.
The footing was securely attached to the beam using custom angle iron connections.
This setup allowed us to transfer the column’s weight directly onto the new piers. Once stabilized, we carefully lowered the column back to its original elevation. This process successfully closed visible brick cracks and corrected structural misalignment.
To prevent future soil movement issues, we also:
Installed 6-inch SureVoid forms beneath the beam and footing to protect against soil heave.
Backfilled the area with care, restoring the site to its original grade.
This foundation repair provided long-term support, restored the structural integrity of the deck column, and gave the homeowner confidence moving forward.
The Result: Permanent Stability
This project stands as a testament to Ram Jack of Colorado’s commitment to long-term solutions over temporary fixes. The original issue stemmed from soil expansion. While the initial repair realigned the column, it failed to address the cause.
By installing a helical pier and transfer beam system with SureVoid, we created a foundation system designed to tolerate future soil movement. In addition, it does not affect the structural integrity of the deck column.
Why It Matters
Colorado’s Front Range soils are notorious for their expansive nature, often leading to foundation and structural movement. This Broomfield project is a perfect example of why comprehensive evaluations and engineered solutions are critical. Especially in areas with active soils.
Partner with Ram Jack of Colorado
If you’re dealing with foundation settlement, heave, or structural misalignment, trust Ram Jack of Colorado to deliver solutions that last. Contact us today for a free site evaluation. Find out more about why Ram Jack Colorado’s experience matters more than price in foundation repair.
