Foundation Inspection

A&M Engineering is hiring
We are looking a Foundation Inspector/ Forensic Analyst. Candidate will possess a strong basis of construction knowledge.
We are seeking self-motivated and active networkers who value building credible relationships with clients and the community. You will need to be flexible in your approach to challenges, and have a strong ability to think laterally in delivering project solutions.
• Evaluate foundation settlement investigations, structural assessments, site evaluations, sub-surface investigations and repair analysis.
• Analyze failures in foundation systems by conducting site visits and applying construction principles and practices in accordance with codes and industry standards.
• Conduct unbiased investigations for a variety of clients.
• Prepare reports documenting causes of failure, and recommended remediation

Happy Holidays

How to Place piers at Garages:
1. 1-car Garage: A minimum of one pier shall be placed under garage support columns.

2. A minimum of one Pier shall be used at the mid-point of a garage door opening for a 2-car garage, and one pier should be placed under garage support columns.

How to Place piers at a Fireplace:
1. 1 foot by 5 feet fireplace should have a minimum of 3 piers placed as shown in the detail.
2. 2 feet by 5 feet fireplace with brick veneer exterior should have a minimum of 3 piers placed as shown for a 1-story and 4 piers on a 2-story.
3. 2 feet by 6 feet fireplace with brick exterior should have a minimum of 4 piers placed as shown.
4. A fireplace 8 feet or greater in length should have an additional pier placed at the center on the exterior wall as shown.

How to Place Interior piers:
Interior piers shall be placed as follows:
1. At grade beam intersections, and along beams at a maximum of 10 feet spacing
2. At 8 feet center to center under walls of 1-story structure.
3. At 7 feet center to center on a 2-story wood or brick structure.
4. 3 or more stories should (Call an Engineer).

How to Place Exterior piers:
Exterior piers shall have a maximum spacing as follows:
1. 8 feet center to center on a 1-story wood or brick structure.
2. 7 feet center to center on a 2-story with brick on the 1st story only and 1-1/2 story when the wall supports the second floor joists.
3. 6 feet center to center on 2-story brick structures.
4. 3 or more stories should (Call an Engineer).

The soil in Dallas area is primarily of the clay rock formation.
Dallas soil is expansive and may gain or lose a huge sum of its original soil volume depending on its moisture content, causing profound gain or loss of a structures foundation.
Expansive soils are one of the nation’s leading causes for foundation issues to homes and buildings. In addition to foundation shrinkage, there are occasions where the foundation will “Upheave”. This is where external areas around the foundation will rise above the “original elevations”