Method and apparatus for lifting and supporting structures

Abstract

A method of lifting and supporting structures, such as buildings or the like, which includes the steps of exposing the base of the structure; attaching a shoe to the base of the structure and then attaching a driving assembly to the shoe whereby the assembly may be utilized to successively and individually drive piers beneath the structure. After the piers are driven a separate pier plate unit is fitted over the end of each of the piers, which piers have been cut off at ground level. Once in place, the pier plate unit is used to support lifting means which operate between the pier plate unit and the structure to lift the structure to the desired position. After the structure has reached this position permanent, adjustable supporting means are placed between the pier plate unit and the structure whereby to retain the structure in the desired position. The apparatus for carrying out the foregoing method includes the shoe which is attached to the structure; a pier driving assembly which is carried by the shoe; a pier which is driven by the driving assembly to a point beneath the structure; a pier plate unit which is fitted over the upper end of the pier after it has been driven and its upper end cut off at ground level; lifting means which is supported by the pier plate unit; and permanent supporting means which are finally positioned between the pier plate unit and the structure for permanently supporting the structure in its desired position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.