Flared reinforced pier and pier bracket assembly and methods of manufacturing and use

A method of manufacturing a pier, the method comprising:

• flaring a first end of a tube to form a flared first end;
• inserting a reinforcing member into at least a portion of the flared first end;
• and
• operatively coupling the reinforcing member to the flared first end.

A pier bracket assembly comprising:

• a pier bracket configured to be operatively coupled to a structure;
• a starter pier comprising:
• a tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is a flared first end;
• and
• a reinforcing member operatively coupled to the flared first end and located at least partially within an internal surface of the flared first end;
• one or more push piers sections configured to be operatively coupled to the second end of the starter pier or each other;
• and
• wherein the starter pier and the one or more push piers are operatively coupled to the pier bracket to support the structure.

A method of installing a pier bracket assembly, the method comprising:

• assembling a pier bracket to a structure;
• assembling a starter pier to the pier bracket, wherein the starter pier comprises:
• a tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is a flared first end;
• and
• a reinforcing member operatively coupled to the flared first end and located at least partially within an internal surface of the flared first end;
• assembling a drive assembly to the bracket and starter pier;
• pushing the starter pier into the ground using the drive assembly;
• assembling a push pier section to the second end of the starter pier;
• and
• driving the push pier at least partially into the ground using the drive assembly;
• wherein the flared first end with the reinforcing member pushes the ground and reduces the friction between the ground and an intermediate portion and second end of the starter pier and the push pier assembled to the starter pier.