Foundation Repair Glossary, Part 2

This is the second part in our glossary of foundation repair terms. Be sure to check out Part 1.

Grade

The level of ground surface. The grade can also refer to the rise or fall of the ground over a given distance.

Jacking

A method by which a static driving force is performed on a pile by jacks.

Live Load

This is the additional weight added to a structure by people, furniture, snow, ice, water, etc.

Mudjacking

A foundation repair process used by some foundation repair businesses where water and soil cement or soil-lime-cement grout is pumped beneath the slab to lift the slab to the desired position. We recommend mudjacking only for flat concrete surfaces such as garage floors, driveways, pool and patio decks.

Pier

A support under a structure's foundation. Piers can be made of wood, steel, concrete and sunk into the ground or resting atop ground (for smaller structures).

Refusal

The condition reached when a pier can't be driven any farther, like when the pier reaches an impenetrable bottom such as rock). The term refusal may be used to indicate the specified minimum penetration per blow. Driving piers beyond refusal can damage the piers.

Settlement

Settlement occurs when a part of the foundation drops below the original as-built grade.

Get more information by visiting www.AceFoundation.com.