Booker School Foundation Repair Case Study

Booker High School in Booker, Texas, home to over 1,300 students, faced
significant foundation issues due to soil erosion and water damage. The flooding occurred due to
a persistent water leak, which over time caused severe foundation damage. Childers Brothers
Foundation Repair was contracted to stabilize and repair the foundation, ensuring the building’s
longevity and safety. The project involved multiple repair methods tailored to address the
specific challenges presented by the site conditions, safeguarding the educational environment
for faculty, current students, and future students.

Foundation State:

The school’s foundation had settled significantly, with some areas showing
slopes of over 2 inches. This critical situation impacted the building’s structural integrity and
daily school operations. The foundation issues were first noticed several years ago, with initial attempts at minor repairs proving insufficient.

Signs of Damage:

The observed signs of damage included stair step cracks in the brick exterior, separation of lab countertops from load-bearing walls, and visible cracks in the concrete slab. Additionally, sheetrock cracks and walls separating at corners highlighted the need for comprehensive repairs. These issues, while concerning, did not pose immediate safety threats but emphasized the necessity for timely and thorough intervention.

Childers Brothers’ 27-Point Foundation Analysis:

Before beginning any repair work, Childers Brothers performed their comprehensive 27-Point Foundation Analysis free of charge. Unlike typical 10-minute inspections that merely glance at surface-level symptoms, this in-depth analysis using over a dozen high-tech tools, such as thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, and digital calipers, to diagnose the root causes of the foundation problems accurately. This meticulous approach ensured that every crack, void, and potential issue was thoroughly investigated, allowing Childers Brothers to develop the most effective and lasting repair solutions.

Soil Conditions:

The foundation sits on expansive clay soils, which are prevalent in the Booker, Texas area. These soils are known for their significant shrink-swell capacity, meaning they expand when wet and contract when dry. This constant movement can cause substantial stress on a building’s foundation. Over time, the soil can create voids – empty spaces or gaps beneath the foundation where the soil has either compacted or been washed away. These voids undermine the foundation’s support, leading to uneven settlement and structural instability.  Another soil condition that affects many structures is when soil is hauled in to elevate the building pad. This is done to help get the building up so it doesn’t flood from rainwater. These fill soils don’t always get compacted as tight as what they need to be to provide stable soil conditions. This lack of compaction leaves room for voids to form or buildings to settle over time.

Impact of Voids:

Voids beneath a structure can have severe consequences. When the supporting soil is removed or displaced, parts of the foundation may sink or settle unevenly. This differential settlement can cause cracks in the foundation, walls, and floors, as well as misalignment of doors and windows. In severe cases, it can compromise the structural integrity of the entire building, leading to safety hazards and costly repairs.

Water Damage:

The situation at Booker High School was exacerbated by a water leak that had washed away or displaced the subsoil beneath the foundation. This leak further contributed to the formation of voids and increased the rate of settlement. Over time, the affected classrooms began to sink, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive repair work to address both the soil conditions and the water damage.

Diagnostic Process:

The detailed 27-Point Foundation Analysis conducted by Childers Brothers identified these critical issues. Using advanced tools and techniques, they were able to pinpoint the exact causes and extent of the damage, ensuring that the proposed repair methods would effectively address the root problems.

By understanding the primary causes of foundation issues, Childers Brothers could develop targeted solutions to stabilize and repair the foundation, ensuring long-term stability and safety for the school.

Helical Piers:

Slade and his team installed 13 helical piers under the exterior walls to reach stable load-bearing soil strata. Helical piers are heavy-duty steel piers that are hydraulically screwed deep into the ground until they reach solid soil layers. This method provides a solid foundation and prevents further settling. Childers Brothers’ helical piers offer several advantages:

1. Depth and Precision: These piers can be screwed as deep as necessary to find stable soil. High-tech digital equipment measures the torque needed to drive the piers, ensuring precise installation.

2. Load-Bearing Capacity: Each helical pier has the ability to support up to 100,000 lbs. which gives us the ability to achieve a 2-to-1 safety factor minimum. This ensures exceptional strength and reliability.
3. Minimal Stress: Unlike other methods that rely on the weight of the structure to push the piers into the ground, helical piers are hydraulically screwed into the ground, causing no additional stress on the building during installation.
4. Clean and Efficient Installation: The installation process is quick and clean, with minimal excavation and disruption. Helical piers can be installed in various weather conditions, ensuring timely project completion.

Structural Foam Injection:

John Beylue’s team injected approximately 1,850 pounds of structural foam under the interior slab of four classrooms.

1.Permanent Solution to soil conditions and water damage:  Injecting light-weight high density foam under the sunken slab fills voids, densifies supporting soils and stops unwanted water travel under and through the slab. The rapidly expanding foam hydraulically lifts the slab back into position with extreme precision. The results are permanent and offer immediate stability. (https://www.primeresins.com/resources/prime-practices/slab-jacking-with-precision-lift-foam/)

2.Minimally Invasive: This method does not require any downtime. It doesn’t hurt surrounding landscaping. Since the concrete slab is being repaired, not replaced, noise pollution is minimal.  This process is not limited by temperature so it can be performed in almost any weather condition.

3.Environmental Safety: The process is zero waste, unlike a slab replacement, and therefore eliminates discarded materials from ending up in landfills. Structural foam solution (polyurethane) is environmentally safe.

4.Proven Effectiveness:  Childers Brothers has been using structural foam injections for over 20 years with 15,000+ satisfied customers.

Carbon Fiber Staples:

Carbon fiber staples were used to reinforce a significant crack in the slab. Carbon fiber is a strong, lightweight material that, when used as staples, provides additional reinforcement to repaired cracks. This method strengthens the slab and prevents further cracking by distributing the stress across a wider area, thereby enhancing the overall structural integrity of the foundation.

By employing a combination of these advanced repair methods, Childers Brothers ensured that the foundation of Booker High School was stabilized and protected against future settlement and damage. The use of helical piers and structural foam along with carbon fiber provided a robust and lasting solution tailored to the specific challenges of the site conditions.

Why These Methods Were Chosen?

Effectiveness: Childers Brothers selected repair methods tailored to address the unique challenges of Booker High School’s foundation issues. Helical piers were ideal for penetrating the expansive clay soils prevalent in the area, reaching stable, load-bearing strata far below the active soil zone. This ensured long-term stability and prevented further settlement. The precision and load-bearing capacity of helical piers made them a reliable choice for this project. Structural foam injection method addressed the voids caused by soil movement and water damage, ensuring a solid and stable foundation.

Durability: The chosen methods offer durable solutions designed to withstand time and environmental factors. Helical piers, made from high-grade steel, provide long-lasting support and stability. The foam filled voids creating a strong dense soil beneath the slab. Together, these methods ensure the foundation remains secure, protecting the school’s structural integrity for years to come.

Childers Brothers demonstrated their commitment to providing effective and lasting solutions by choosing these advanced repair methods.

Duration: The entire repair process was completed in approximately two weeks, thanks to the coordinated efforts of multiple specialized teams working efficiently and effectively.

Steps:

1. Helical Piers Installation: Slade and his team began by carefully drilling and installing 13 helical piers under the exterior walls. Using state-of-the-art hydraulic equipment, they ensured each pier reached stable, load-bearing soil strata. This precise installation process involved continuous monitoring and adjustments to achieve the required depth and torque to achieve desired results.
2. Foam Injection: John Beylue’s team then injected approximately 1,850 pounds of structural foam under the interior slab in four classrooms. The foam was injected using specialized equipment that allowed for precise placement and expansion, filling the voids and providing a two-inch lift along the north wall of three classrooms. This step was critical in addressing the uneven flooring and stabilizing the subsoil.
3. Crack Reinforcement: To enhance the structural integrity of the slab, carbon fiber staples were applied to significant cracks. This reinforcement process involved placing the carbon fiber staples across the cracks and securing them with high-strength epoxy, distributing stress and preventing further cracking.

Challenges and Solutions:

The team faced challenges such as ensuring minimal disruption to school activities and maintaining safety standards. Through meticulous planning and flexible scheduling, they were able to work around the school’s timetable. Safety measures, including securing the work areas and using protective equipment, were strictly enforced to protect both the workers and school occupants.

Timeline Breakdown:

• Week 1: Helical piers installation and initial foam injection preparations.
• Week 2: Completion of foam injection, crack reinforcement, and final inspections.

By adhering to a well-coordinated plan and utilizing advanced tools and techniques, Childers Brothers successfully completed the foundation repair at Booker High School, ensuring a stable and secure environment for students and faculty.

Visual Improvements: Post-repair, the floors and built-in cabinetry in the science lab no longer showed signs of slope, indicating successful leveling. The seamless flooring now provides a safer and more functional environment for both students and faculty. Additionally, cracks in the walls and slab were effectively sealed, giving the interior a refreshed and stable appearance.

Longevity and Stability: The repaired foundation areas are now stable, with a significantly reduced risk of future settling due to soil erosion or water damage. The combination of helical piers and foam injection has fortified the foundation, ensuring it canwithstand thesoil’s shrink-swell cycles and any potential water infiltration issues. This robust solution has extended the building’s lifespan, providing peace of mind to the school administration.

Durability: The foam injection and helical piers have ensured that the foundation remains secure, preventing further significant movement. The materials and methods used are designed for long-term durability, backed by scientific studies and proven field performance. Childers Brothers’ commitment to quality and precision means the repairs will endure, minimizing the need for future interventions.

Broader Impact: The successful repair of Booker High School’s foundation has had a positive impact on the entire school community. The improved structural integrity ensures a safe and conducive learning environment for the students. The faculty can now focus on providing quality education without concerns about the building’s stability.

By addressing the foundation issues comprehensively, Childers Brothers has not only stabilized the structure but also enhanced the overall educational environment at Booker High School.

Childers Brothers:

Since 1972, Childers Brothers has adhered to a simple yet powerful philosophy: do everything the RIGHT way, no matter what it takes. This unwavering commitment to excellence has resulted in over 15,000 satisfied customers, an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and numerous industry recognitions. The company’s dedication to quality ensures a low-stress, high-quality project from start to finish.

Premium Products:

Childers Brothers makes zero compromises on the quality of materials used in their foundation repairs. From helical piers to slab-lifting foam to soil stabilization solutions, only premium products are utilized to ensure the best possible results.

Science-Based Solutions:

Unlike many foundation repair companies, Childers Brothers does not employ a one-size-fits-all approach. Their solutions are rooted in science and customized to the unique needs of each project. The comprehensive 27-Point Foundation Analysis uses over a dozen high-tech tools and pieces of equipment to diagnose foundation problems with 100% accuracy, ensuring that the recommended solutions are precisely tailored to address the specific issues.

Top Technicians:

The technicians at Childers Brothers are certified, trained, and dedicated employees, not day laborers. They possess the skill, knowledge, and passion to perform the job correctly, and their professionalism ensures a friendly and comfortable experience for clients.

Relentless Reliability:

Childers Brothers’ commitment to reliability is fierce. They are punctual, stick to schedules, and communicate clearly with clients, ensuring a smooth and efficient project timeline. Their “Word-Is-Bond” warranty stands by their workmanship and materials for life, with no loopholes or exclusions, providing clients with peace of mind.

Financing:

Childers Brothers offers great financing plans for customers with approved credit, including 0% interest for 12 months or several low-interest options. Payments can start as low as $80 a month, making high-quality foundation repair accessible to more homeowners.

By choosing Childers Brothers, clients benefit from their decades of experience, premium products, science-based solutions, top-tier technicians, relentless reliability, and flexible financing options. This comprehensive approach ensures foundation repair projects are completed to the highest standards, providing lasting stability and peace of mind.

• Critical Aspect: The foundation is the most crucial part of a building. Proper repair methods are essential for long-term stability and safety.
• Common Misconceptions: Not all foundation issues can be resolved with foam alone. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate method selection are crucial.
• Advice: Address foundation problems as soon as they are identified to avoid escalating costs and complications. Delaying repairs can lead to more severe damage and higher expenses.

Project Success: The Booker School’s foundation repair was successfully completed, with the building now stable and safe for continued use. The visual and structural improvements are evident, and the school can expect long-term stability.

Childers Brothers’ Commitment: This project highlights the expertise and dedication of Childers Brothers Foundation Repair in providing tailored, effective solutions for complex foundation problems. Their comprehensive approach and use of proven methods ensure high-quality results and satisfied clients.