The Role of Hydraulic Cylinders in Foundation Repair
During foundation repair, hydraulic cylinders are used to ram concrete pilings or steel piers deep into the soil. These pilings or piers provide support to the damaged foundation and evenly distribute weight across its surface.
Given their heavy-duty role in foundation repair, hydraulic cylinders must demonstrate excellent reliability and durability. On-time preventative maintenance, ideally provided by an expert hydraulic equipment technician, is also critical for your hydraulic cylinders’ operation.
How are Hydraulic Cylinders Used in Foundation Repair?
Many foundations are repaired using pressed steel piers or concrete pilings. The goal is to push the concrete or steel so deep into the soil that it pushes past any expansive soils and hits the bedrock underneath. The foundation sits on top of these supports and is pushed back into place by loading on top of the bedrock.
The concrete or steel must be placed under the foundation first. This is where hydraulic cylinders come in, and this is how they are implemented during the repair process:
- The area around the foundation is inspected – Before beginning work, a reputable foundation repair team will inspect the area around the building to identify the cause behind any foundation problems. This could be unstable soil, excessive water intrusion, subsidence, or another underlying cause that must be factored into the repair.
- Access to the project site is established – Depending on the project’s scope, it may be necessary to mobilize excavation machinery to dig out access to the foundation. This machinery needs access itself, and before the foundation is exposed, site access is established.
- Holes are dug out around the foundation – The foundation is accessed by digging out holes around the building at regular intervals. The bigger the structure, the more access holes are needed. Once the foundation is exposed, the foundation repair crew can place the hydraulic cylinders.
- Drive stands are attached to the foundation – At each access point, a bracket is attached to the foundation that holds the drive stand in place. The drive stand includes the hydraulic cylinder, which is positioned so that it will stroke downwards toward the soil.
- The hydraulic cylinders are connected to the repair system’s hydraulic pump – Once the hydraulic cylinders are in place, they are attached to a hydraulic pump that feeds fluid power into the cylinder and extends the ram.
- The hydraulic cylinders ram each steel pier or concrete piling into place under the foundation – One by one, steel piers or concrete piles are driven into the ground under the foundation, using the hydraulic cylinder. The cylinders push up against the foundation as a bearing surface and this process continues, segment by segment, until “refusal” is noted – the point at which the hydraulic cylinder can no longer push the pier into the ground, and it pushed up on the foundation instead.
- The hydraulic cylinders then push the foundation up into place – Now that the steel or concrete has hit bedrock or hard pan, the hydraulic cylinders are used to push up on the foundation until it’s aligned back into place.
At this point the brackets attached to the foundation are locked into place and filler materials (such as polyurethane foam) may be used to fill any voids under the foundation. The piers or pilings are capped off and the hydraulic cylinders are taken to their next project.
A Hydraulic Cylinder is Just One Part of a Complete Foundation Repair System
Your hydraulic cylinders are an irreplaceable part of your foundation repair operations, but they are only one part of a complete foundation repair system. Other important components include:
- The hydraulic pump – The hydraulic pump is responsible for driving each hydraulic ram using fluid power. The hydraulic pump should be able to hold a load, even when the motor is shut off. It should be able to maintain sufficient flows even while under higher pressures and needs a strong weight-to-power ratio so it can be moved around in the field.
- Hydraulic hoses and connections – Hydraulic hoses and connections are used to link the hydraulic pump and cylinder together. Hydraulic gauges, valves and filters may be located along these lines, so they must be kept clean to prevent contamination from entering into the system.
- Hydraulic gauges – Hydraulic pressure gauges are vital diagnostic and performance monitoring tools for foundation repair systems. Pick fluid-filled pressure gauges to reduce vibration and get more accurate readings.
- Remote hydraulic system controls – Hydraulic equipment operators will need to monitor the foundation’s condition as it is lifted. Remote controls are recommended for foundation repair jobs as they improve work efficiency.
Foundation Repair Cylinders: Features to Consider
Hydraulic cylinders used in foundation repair are responsible for bearing extreme loads, so repair crews prioritize durability features in their cylinders. These features should include:
- Solid steel body construction
- Oversized return springs for better durability and efficiency
- An aluminum alloy bearing for handling off-center loads
- A corrosion-resistant piston rod, as foundation repair sites may be located around corrosive soils or near salt water
- Sufficient capacity (25-ton models are standard for foundation repair applications)
It should also be easy to store or transport your hydraulic cylinders without exposing them to contamination. Look for removable rubber boots that protect the hydraulic cylinder’s connection ports. Also, verify that the hydraulic cylinders will be compatible with the system’s other components, including any fixtures and accessories (such as a manifold system) that will be used during repair jobs.
Hydraulic Cylinders are Vital in Foundation Repair and Preventative Maintenance Will Keep Them Working Properly
Hydraulic cylinders push, lift and ram during every foundation repair project – so they pick up a lot of wear. To keep that wear from undermining your equipment and your operations, put your hydraulic cylinders on a preventative maintenance schedule. Preventative maintenance is critical for identifying potential issues early and optimizing the equipment’s performance. A hydraulic cylinder expert can spearhead this preventative maintenance, starting with comprehensive inspections.
If it’s been a while since your hydraulic cylinders were inspected and maintained, or if your hydraulic equipment is making unusual noises or isn’t handling properly, it’s time to schedule preventive maintenance. Talk to a trusted hydraulic expert to start that process and keep your hydraulic cylinders working as they should.