Geopier recently launched their own versin of MythBusters under the ASCE website, where they dispel some of the Geopier® related myths circulating in the design-build world. On their first article they focus on geopier installation below the groundwater table and heavy load support.
We always appreciate when folks recommend Geopier but are equally dismayed when piers are excluded from a project because of the fallacious myth that “piers can't be installed below the groundwater table.” We understand the concern – excavation below groundwater can result in caving soils, which could affect pier performance. This statement is true; however, we have several solutions that address that concern:
Geopier is confident that it can install piers below the groundwater table and you should be too!
The lion’s share of geotechnical design is focused on limiting settlement to 1 inch or less so that the structural engineer’s design can function as intended. Rumor has it that when heavy loads meet poor soils, deep foundations are required because Geopier can't be used to support heavy loads. I am here to inform you that is simply not true!
Geopier has been used on hundreds of projects to support very heavily loaded structures. A few examples for your consideration:
We have handled all types of structures in every soil type (including organics) using our arsenal of Rammed Aggregate Pier® and rigid inclusion technologies.
Why use Geopier instead of deep foundations?
One last consideration… Some heavy structures don’t necessarily need Geopier, but the footings are very large due to low design bearing pressures (3 to 4 ksf). Foundations supported on Geopier can be designed for bearing pressures up to 10 ksf, which allows for smaller footings and significant cost savings!
No matter how heavy the structure, Geopier has a cost-effective solution that meets your needs.
Access Geopier Solutions pocket card to quickly compare common methods of ground improvement techniques.
Source: Geopier MythBusters
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