Project Spotlight: Foundation Pier Installation in Clifton
Hughes Construction recently completed a structural support project at a home in Cincinnati’s Clifton neighborhood. The residence, built over 100 years ago, showed signs of minor foundation settlement at the right rear corner. After evaluating the site, a structural engineer from Buyers Protection Group developed a repair plan. Based on this plan, the homeowner hired our team to install a concrete underpinning pier and address the issue.
Engineering First: Why Professional Oversight Matters
Every foundation repair project should start with a licensed engineer—regardless of a home’s age or construction style. In this case, the engineer not only designed the pier but also visited the site during excavation to verify the soil conditions. Using a penetrometer, he confirmed that the soil met the required bearing capacity of over 1,500 psf. With that confirmation, we poured the concrete pier down to the bottom of the stone foundation in one continuous placement. To safely support the structure during this process, we installed temporary shoring.
Unexpected Conditions: Broken Pipe Discovery
During excavation, our crew discovered a broken underground pipe near the pier location. To avoid undermining the repair or creating future issues, we immediately paused the work and called in Zin’s Plumbing. Their team completed the necessary pipe repairs, allowing us to resume and finish the pier installation without further delay.
Final Steps: Restoration and Recommendations
Once the pier was in place, we patched the exposed foundation wall and sealed it. We then backfilled the excavated soil and left it to settle naturally. To complete the job, our crew cleaned the work area and restored the disturbed lawn with seed and straw.
The engineer recommended delaying any cosmetic repairs—such as interior wall cracks or exterior tuckpointing—for at least six months. This timeframe allows the structure to stabilize fully. He also advised waterproofing the affected section of the foundation wall due to signs of water intrusion.
A Thoughtful, Engineered Approach
This project highlights the importance of engineering involvement at every stage of structural work. By following a well-designed plan and collaborating with trusted professionals, we delivered a solution that ensures both stability and long-term performance.
Do you have any foundation problems that need addressed? Not sure? Call one of our preferred engineers or contact us today!
