The basis of every structural engineering project—no matter the size—is the foundation. The available design options have moved beyond traditional spread footings and caissons to include several pre-engineered foundation systems, which may be the best solutions for building foundation support, tank and wind tower support, MSE wall and embankment support, liquefaction mitigation, and uplift resistance. Such systems include resistance piers, tiebacks, soil screw systems, micropiles, custom anchoring systems, power-installed steel earth anchors, helical anchors, helical piles, and hydraulically driven piers. Most of the manufacturers offer free consultations and have some online design tools available.

In response to a request from Structural Engineer, a number of manufacturers provided the following information about their products. Some companies declined to participate by failing to return the questionnaire by our deadline. We apologize for inadvertent omissions. To be added to our contact list, please e-mail Jennifer Goupil, P.E., at jgoupil@zweigwhite.com.

Chance/Atlas manufactures steel underpinning systems, resistance piers, tiebacks, soil screw systems, micropiles, custom anchoring systems, helical piles, decorative and streetlight foundations, as well as power-installed steel earth anchors used by utilities and telecommunications companies. According to the company, it is the largest manufacturer of earth anchors. Chance was founded in 1907 in Centralia, Mo., where it is still headquartered. Atlas manufacturing is located in Independence, Mo. The company has territory managers, distributors, and dealers conveniently located in the markets served.
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According to Fasteel/Engineered Technologies, Inc., it has the expertise to handle any project with the flexibility to provide the custom system you need. The company’s product offerings include helical anchors, helical piles, hydraulically driven piers, tension anchors, grouted piers, electric pole foundations, and earth retention systems. Its in-house engineering support team consists of a full complement of technical personnel and years of combined deep foundation and tie-back experience to assist in the design of a custom foundation stabilization solution for each project. In addition, the company provides a meticulously selected and trained professional organization of certified dealers to install the custom solution exactly as designed.
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Manta Ray and Stingray from Foresight Products, LLC, are driven tipping plate earth anchors for reaction of tensile loads. Easily installed with commonly available equipment, proof testing is simultaneous with installation. They are used as tiebacks for stabilization in new or rehabilitation construction; or they can add substantial uplift capacity, reducing or eliminating concrete requirements as part of a new structure foundation system.
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Geopier Foundation Company, Inc. (GFC), a subsidiary of the Tensar International Corporation, is a design/build specialty contractor specializing in the installation of rammed aggregate pier (RAP) systems for intermediate foundation solutions. In business since 1989, GFC provides efficient and effective alternatives to more costly, traditional deep foundations. According to the company, its RAPs have supported thousands of projects in the United States and worldwide. Its network of regional engineers work directly with the project team to develop project-specific design/build solutions for building foundation support, tank and wind tower support, MSE wall and embankment support, liquefaction mitigation, and uplift resistance.
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According to the company, Hayward Baker Inc., is the largest specialty foundation contractor in North America. Services range from micropiles and driven piles of low to high capacity, to vibro piers for when an aggregate pier solution is sought. In addition to foundation support elements, Hayward Baker also provides special services for foundation repair and protection, and ground improvement for site pre-treatment.
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Kelken Construction Systems manufactures chemical anchor systems and steel and aluminum anchors for attaching any items to existing or recently cured concrete.
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Pearson Pilings, LLC is a manufacturer of fiberglass pilings for the marine construction industry, as well as the commercial and residential industries. The primary products are pipe piles in diameters of 8, 10, 12, and 14 inches. The load-bearing capacities range up to 120 tons. According to the company, its piles will not rot, rust, or crumble, and are environmentally sound—even corrosion proof. Engineering support and data are immediately available.
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Ram Jack Foundation Solutions is the distributor of steel pilings and helical piers for a certified dealer network throughout the United States, Canada, and Costa Rica. Ram Jack’s more than 20 patented products and systems are the result of over 30 years of research and development. According to the company, its products have an environmentally friendly thermoplastic coating, and are used by professionals in all aspects of residential, commercial, and new construction foundation stabilization. Ram Jack products are all built in the United States to precision specifications.
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Simpson Strong-Tie’s new Foundation Wall Angle (FWAZ) with a ZMAX finish helps fulfill a new code requirement for basement applications. The 2006 IRC prescribes additional connection requirements at the top of the foundation where an unbalanced backfill condition exists. This condition can cause lateral pressure on the basement walls. Currently, to meet these new provisions, a large number of closely spaced connections must be installed along the basement or foundation walls, which results in added time and cost for builders. Simpson’s FWAZ is designed so it can be spaced wider across foundation walls, reducing the number of anchors and connectors needed.
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