Stabilizing a Failing Perimeter Wall with Helical Piers and Buttresses
This wall stabilization project addressed a failing perimeter masonry wall in a residential neighborhood in Chandler, Arizona. The structure separated existing backyards from an active and future housing development, where nearby construction activity and variable soil conditions increased the risk of movement and failure. To stop both vertical settlement and lateral displacement, the repair plan paired structural buttresses with helical piers, creating a unified system designed to anchor the wall into deeper, competent soil layers.
Engineers documented 1.5 to 2 inches of westward displacement along sections of the wall. This displacement indicated active settlement and lateral movement that could worsen over time. Engineers concluded that immediate foundation stabilization was required to protect adjacent properties, maintain safety, and prevent costly reconstruction.
Structural movement and property risk
The perimeter wall acted as both a property boundary and a low retaining structure. It resisted lateral earth pressure from backfilled soils. As the wall shifted, visible cracking and lean developed along multiple panels. These conditions created structural and safety concerns for homeowners and the neighboring development.
Subsurface conditions and failure analysis
When exposed, the footing depths ranged from approximately two feet to nearly four feet below grade. As a result, these inconsistencies created challenges for pier placement and shaft lengths, since the repair needed to look uniform, perform consistently, and allow for proper grading.
Additionally, it was found that the near-surface soils lacked strength under structural and lateral loads, especially during moisture changes and nearby construction activity. Therefore, the engineer on this project determined that a unique deep foundation support system would be required to support the masonry wall and provide long-term stability.
Why helical piers were selected
Ram Jack Arizona worked closely with engineers to design and build a solution. As a result, they chose Ram Jack helical piers, also called helical piles or screw piles, as the preferred deep foundation system for this retaining wall stabilization. Helical piers are ideal for retrofit foundation repair because they use relatively small equipment and create minimal vibration. In addition, they provide immediate load-carrying capacity after installation.
Therefore, by advancing the Ram Jack helical piers down into competent bearing strata, the system bypasses problematic surface soils. It transfers wall loads into stronger, more stable layers below. Overall, this approach improves reliability and supports long-term performance.
Helical pier installation and reinforcement scope
Ram Jack Arizona served as the foundation repair contractor and installed the engineered helical pier system. The team also reinforced the perimeter wall. The installation scope was developed with the project engineer to meet required load capacities and movement tolerances.
The crew installed a total of eighty‑eight helical piers along the fence line to support and brace the wall. Each pier reached an average depth of about five feet into supporting soils. Installers achieved target installation torque that matched the design load capacity. The piers were strategically spaced and located to support critical segments of the wall and distribute forces evenly.
Structural buttresses and concrete reinforcement
To convert the helical piers into an integrated structural support system, Ram Jack Arizona left galvanized steel pier shafts exposed above grade at specific locations. These exposed shafts became part of new buttress elements designed to act as rigid braces.
Crews constructed reinforced concrete buttresses by:
- Installing structural reinforcing steel cages around the exposed pier shafts.
- Tying rebar into the existing wall and footing reinforcement where accessible.
- Forming and pouring concrete around the assemblies to create monolithic buttresses.
These buttresses work together with the helical piers to resist vertical settlement and lateral displacement. The combined system effectively anchors the wall into deeper, competent soil layers.
Key installation elements and quality controls
To ensure consistent performance and code‑compliant installation, the project followed engineered plans and manufacturer standards. Key elements of the wall stabilization system included:
- Eighty‑eight helical piers installed along the perimeter wall.
- Average pier depth of about five feet into supporting soils.
- Reinforced concrete buttresses constructed at engineered intervals.
- Structural rebar cages installed and tied into existing elements where accessible.
- Installation torque monitored to verify pier capacity and soil engagement.
This combination of deep foundation support and above‑grade reinforcement created a robust, long‑term stabilization solution.
Engineered results and performance outcomes
After installation, the wall’s loads now transfer beyond the unstable near‑surface soils into deeper, stronger layers. This greatly improves lateral resistance and reduces the risk of future settlement. The helical pier system and concrete buttresses act together to restrain additional movement and protect existing backyards and the adjacent development area.
Post‑installation evaluation confirmed that wall alignment met the engineer’s tolerances. The stabilized segments showed no measurable movement after installation and concrete curing. By addressing underlying soil issues and providing a deep foundation solution, the project extended the service life of the wall. It also avoided the disruption and cost of full replacement.
Local expertise in retaining wall repair
Ram Jack Arizona has decades of experience stabilizing foundations, retaining walls, and perimeter barriers throughout Arizona and the greater Southwest. The team regularly works with homeowners, HOAs, engineers, and developers to diagnose settlement, design helical pier solutions, and complete repairs with minimal disruption.
This Chandler perimeter wall project shows how engineered helical pier systems can solve complex retaining wall settlement problems efficiently. This approach is especially valuable in neighborhoods with limited access and active nearby construction. If you need engineered perimeter wall or foundation repair solutions in Chandler, Phoenix, or surrounding Arizona communities, contact Ram Jack Arizona. You can schedule an evaluation or request a detailed structural repair proposal tailored to your property.
