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St. Benedict’s Catholic Church Foundation Repair Case Study

Helical Tieback Anchors
November 18, 2021 | Grip-Tite | Foundation Repair Category

The Foundation Problem

Built in 1861, St. Benedict’s Catholic Church is the oldest brick Catholic church in Nebraska. It is listed with the National Register of Historic Places. With buildings of this age, there’s often a bigger need for structural repairs.

Various site and structural improvements were scheduled, including the addition of a single-story entrance on the west side of the building. The proposed addition measured approximately 18 feet by 32 feet.

Due to limited site access, shallow test borings were completed with hand equipment. The on-site test borings and soil information gathered from visual observation of other site excavations indicated variable, undocumented fill soils to depths of about 10 to 15 feet.

Because of the risk of potentially damaging differential settlements, traditional spread footings within the existing fill soils were not recommended for the new addition.

The Foundation Repair Solution

Instead, three foundation support options were considered, including the complete removal of all existing fill soils and replacement with compacted and tested fill. A second option involved supporting the foundations on deep, cast-in-place concrete shafts drilled to bedrock or other high load-bearing strata. The third option utilized a helical pier system.

Helical piers were selected as the ideal foundation support option given the limited site access and minimal expected site disturbance throughout the installation. In addition, the tight construction schedule dictated that equipment be mobilized quickly and installation be completed within days.

Ten (10) helical piers were planned to support the wall loads and the cast-in-place structural slab. Design loads ranged from 5 kips to 25 kips with a design depth of at least 15 feet for the uppermost helix.

Two (2) 12-inch diameter single-helix lead sections and eight (8) 10-inch, 12-inch, 14-inch diameter triple-helix lead sections were installed to depths ranging from 21 to 31 feet. The helical pier installation was completed in less than one day.

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As you can see, we carry the best products and hire the best installers for the job. When you hear our name, you know you’ll be dealing with professional, quick service every single time. If you’re interested in the products used in this case study or have another foundation repair project, give us a call today!

Grip-Tite® Products Used


Helical Tiebacks

Grip-Tite® offers a 1.5 inch Square Shaft Helical and 1.75 Square Shaft Helical suitable for anchor and tie-back applications. The Grip-Tite® Square Shaft Helical Anchor lead sections and extensions are available with helix blade configurations to meet project-specific requirements.