Building a Smarter Foundation for Innovative Housing
As Arizona continues to face challenges with housing affordability, forward-thinking companies like Vivablox are redefining construction. Using modified shipping containers, Vivablox creates modern, pre-fabricated studio units designed for quick, cost-effective installation. When the company needed a durable foundation solution for eight new residential units in Pinetop, Arizona, they turned to Ram Jack Arizona. A trusted leader in engineered foundation systems.
Advantages of a Helical Pier Foundation System
Vivablox units can be set on traditional concrete foundations, but Ram Jack’s helical pier foundation system offers clear advantages. Unlike conventional methods, helical piers require no large-scale excavation, forming, or concrete curing. This shortens project timelines, reduces environmental impact, and is ideal for projects in remote or sloped terrain like Pinetop.
Once the site was graded, Ram Jack Arizona installed:
- 64 helical piers total (eight per unit)
- Double-helix configurations with 8″ and 10″ helices
- Piers advanced to approximately 10 feet deep, ensuring torque-verified stability and long-term performance
This efficient installation provided a permanent, load-bearing foundation system ready for immediate construction.
Precision and Performance in Every Detail
Because Vivablox units are prefabricated and mechanically attached to the foundation, accuracy was essential. Ram Jack Arizona’s team took exceptional care with layout and alignment, using string lines, potholing, and laser levels to keep every pier within one to two inches of tolerance from the design centerlines. This precision ensured a seamless interface between the pier tops and container connection points, supporting smooth and secure unit installation.
Engineering Adjustments on the Fly
Originally, the design called for clevis-bracket and beam connections. However, during installation, the engineering team and general contractor determined that a flat-plate bracket would provide a simpler mounting configuration. Ram Jack Arizona quickly adapted, modifying bracket types mid-project and even scheduling a Saturday workday to maintain the timeline for unit delivery. This flexibility demonstrated both technical expertise and dedication to client success.
Fast, Flexible, and Future-Ready Foundations
This project showcases how helical pier foundation systems deliver speed, adaptability, and cost-efficiency for modular and pre-fabricated construction. With verified torque capacities, immediate load-bearing capability, and no concrete curing delays, the Vivablox project transitioned seamlessly from pier installation to unit placement, saving both time and money.
By combining engineering precision with on-site agility, Ram Jack Arizona continues to support modern housing solutions like Vivablox, creating reliable, sustainable foundations for the next generation of affordable living in Arizona.
About Ram Jack Arizona
Ram Jack Arizona is part of the Straight Line Construction family. They provide engineered foundation repair and new construction support systems throughout Arizona and the Southwest. With ICC-ES certified products and decades of experience, Ram Jack delivers permanent, tested, and warrantied foundation solutions. Their team serves residential, commercial, and specialty projects
Learn more at straightlinepier.com or read more about foundation innovations at helicalpileworld.com.
