Helical piers provide foundational support and can be leveraged for a multitude of structures and applications. They can be used in both a residential and commercial capacity, offering load support through tension or compression, which is applied via a steel shaft fitted with one or more circular plates. The name was originally derived from the physical design of the piles, which resemble a helix. Helical piers are commonly added to existing foundations to bolster support when there is structural damage, or when the infrastructure is built on unstable soil.
When it comes to determining the cost of helical piers, it’s important to take several factors into consideration. In order to procure the most accurate estimate, you’ll need to call on the expertise of an experienced installer who will factor in the following criteria.
How Much Do Helical Piers Cost?
When pricing out the cost of helical piers, a number of variables, such as soil conditions, the size of the structure, its design, and the overall weight, will have an impact on the final price. The method of installation is also a common determinant of cost. While the dimensions of the affected area and the severity of the settling are incredibly significant in calculating the price, most circumstances require more than a single pier.
During the installation process, piers will be positioned on the outside of the foundation, approximately every 5 to 7 feet along the impacted area. If the area surrounding the settling wall is fairly clear of any obstructions, the machines can be used during the excavation process. This installation method requires less manual labor and can be executed in a relatively quick manner. When dug by machine, you can expect an estimated cost of $1,100 to $1,500 per pier.
If the surrounding area contains a driveway, deck, or similar structures, the settling wall is harder to access, and the piers will be dug manually. This process comes with a higher expense and a longer time-till-completion. The price range for piers dug by hand is typically between $1,200 and $1,600 each.
What Are the Factors to Determine the Cost of Helical Piers?
Location of the Project Site
Geographic location is one of the elements that directly affect the cost. From a high-level perspective, the Northwest and Mid-Atlantic states tend to come with more expensive pricing. Project sites located in the Midwest and Plains states are on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to cost.
Type of Project Site
It should come as no surprise that the type of project site you’re working with will also determine the cost of the helical piers. Universally, remedial projects carry a higher price point that new construction that requires pile work. In some instances, the cost of helical piers for new construction projects can be almost half the price of projects that call for repair work.
Soil Condition and Composition
When it comes to selecting the size, design, number, and depth of the piers needed to complete a project, the soil condition will be taken into consideration. Liquefaction, density, and buckling of the bearing layer, as well as the density of the upper fill layers, will play a huge role in determining the type of pile needed and the projected cost of the job. If you are located in an area where the soil is softer, contains a significant number of organics, or your project is taking place in an area with a naturally high water table, there will be additional costs factored into the overall price.
Types of Helical Piers
The cost of helical piers will vary when size, style, and diameter are taken into consideration. There are two types of helical piers – ones with round shafts and ones with square shafts.
Round piles are typically seen in:
2 7/8”
3.5”
4.5”
5.5”
6.5”
8”
10”, and higher
While square piles are usually:
1.5”
1.75”
2”
2.25” and up
Round shafts work well when there’s a need to maintain lateral stability and deal with compression forces. Square shafts, on the other hand, are better suited for areas with tension forces as they have greater yield and tensile strength. You can expect to see a higher price tag associated with helical piers that have bigger diameters.
The Number of Helical Piers Needed
It’s highly likely that your project will require more than one pile. That number is determined and influenced by several factors, including support requirements, loading requirements, structure type, and any building codes applicable to the project. Because helical piers are available in different sizes and price points, two hundred piles in one specific size and wind up costing less than one hundred in another.
The Depth of Installation
Cost is also influenced by the depth of the pile installation, as it requires more material and time when installing foundations at a deeper, more secure level. Many instances call for anchoring to be drilled deep into a layer where more competent soil lives. Required bearing depths can range drastically depending on the specific design loads needed for the proposed structure.
For instance, installing a pier 40’ deep will increase the material cost of the project compared to a job that only requires a depth of 20’. The greater the depth, the more pile extensions needed, which are affixed to the main shaft. With longer piers, drill teams will also need to be on-site for a longer period, impacting the overall cost.
The Bottom Line
As with the majority of construction projects, bids serve as an estimated cost, as unforeseen developments may occur. When you partner with an experienced team of experts to guide you through the process – and have the right product on hand – you’ll not only reap numerous benefits, but you can ensure the work is completed in a quick, cost-effective, and innovative manner.
Remember, when determining the cost of helical piers, there are several factors that are taken into consideration: the type of job (repair or new construction), the style, the location, the depth of the pile installations, the number of piers needed, and the type of soil on site. The best way to map out your project is to request an accurate estimate from your vendor to ensure you make an optimal choice.
https://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Construction-Cost-small.jpg6671000Victor Mhttps://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.pngVictor M2020-07-25 07:48:492020-07-30 17:37:49How Much Do Helical Piers Cost?
Whether you’re in commercial construction, an architect, or a homeowner, you know that building any kind of structure requires a strong and stable foundation. Think about when you’re driving or walking across a bridge. If you see chips in the concrete or an exposed rebar, you begin wondering about the structural integrity of the bridge. Is it safe? A common and effective solution for ensuring the strength and stability of a residential or commercial structure is the use of helical piles.
What Are Helical Piers and Helical Piles?
If you’ve conducted any research, you may have come across two competing terms – helical piers and helical piles. So, what’s the difference? The truth is the two terms are interchangeable and refer to the exact, same product. They both refer to deep foundational elements that leverage compression or tension to transfer/resist vertical and horizontal loads.
Helical piles, also referred to as screw anchors, screw piers, screw piles, helical piers, helical anchors, helical screw piles, and screw foundations are embedded deep underground during the installation process in order to distribute the massive weight that rests on top of them.
The only difference between these two key terms is the size and materials used. Helical piles are commonly made of concrete, long steel, or wood while piers include materials like concrete/masonry. In order to reach their intended carrying capacity, end-bearing piles are placed in rock or dense soil. They can also shoulder the load via the friction created between the surface of the pile and the soil that surrounds it.
Often, piers/piles will leverage cement grout to elevate the surface friction with the soil. Once installed and positioned correctly, helical piers/piles can either be attached to an existing foundation or utilized for new construction.
What is The Purpose of Helical Piles?
Helical piles/piers resemble hollow steel tubes and are an effective way to stabilize structures of all types and sizes. By anchoring the weight of the loan to the surrounding ground, like a driven pile, these products provide unparalleled foundational support. In order to work adequately, they are installed deep into the ground – sometimes even section by section for optimal functionality.
Helical piers are highly effective when dealing with challenging soil conditions. They’re also used in a variety of applications – from repairing weak foundations to building new structures to stabilizing existing foundations that will be taking on heavier loads. When it comes to the restoration process, piles can be used on a wide spectrum of structures, such as bridges, docks, or railroads that reside on a harbor, wetlands, or areas with weak soil.
How do Helical Piles and Helical Piers Work?
The screw piles are installed directly into the soil. Load capacity is predetermined before beginning installation, in order to calculate where they should be positioned. For example, you’ll want to space them at the right intervals to ensure they are equally sharing the weight of the structure on top.
Creating a solid foundation is paramount. Trains, for example, can be derailed if their tracks settle from softened, oversaturated, or weakened soil. Just a few inches is all it takes to throw a structure out of alignment.
During the installation process, a Hydraulic drill motor is attached to an excavator, screwing the piles/piers into the ground at varying depths. Generally speaking, these are installed between ten and thirty feet below the ground’s surface. The depth is ultimately determined by the size, shape, and build of the structure. If they don’t meet the required torque, for example, they will be screwed deeper into the earth for maximal support.
What Are They Made of and How Long Do They Last?
In order to prevent rusting, helical piers are made of galvanized steel and concrete. They will always vary in size, style, and diameter based on the structure that’s being built or repaired. When it comes to their shape, you can expect to see two types of helical piers – ones with square shafts and ones with round shafts. Square shafts are the preferred choice for areas with tension forces due to their tensile strength and greater yield. Square piles are typically sized 1.5”, 1.75”, 2”, 2.25” and up while round piles come in 2 7/8”, 3.5”, 4.5”, 5.5”, 6.5”, 8”, 10”, and higher. Round shafts are effective for construction projects that require strong lateral stability and will be exposed to compression forces. The bigger the diameter, the more you can expect cost-wise for these helical piers.
Generally, piles are expected to last around one hundred and fifty years. Their lifespans may be longer or shorter – it all depends on the surrounding soil conditions.
Foundations created or repaired with helical piers and piles are an effective way to ensure the foundation is adequately reinforced. Not only are they an economical solution, but they’re relatively quick to install and provide a tremendous amount of strength and stability for various structures. They’re especially handy when it comes to reinforcing a foundation that requires repairs. Whether they’re being used in a residential or commercial capacity, their long life spans and proven efficacy make them a popular choice to use when doing construction projects.
https://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Helical-Piers-small.jpg6671000Victor Mhttps://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.pngVictor M2020-07-15 07:38:592020-07-22 16:37:50What are Helical Piers? A Look at the Purpose of Them for Commercial & Residential Structures
(DALLAS-August 5, 2019) Tella Firma Foundations, a construction-tech company, today announced that Ryan Goard has been named Chief Executive Officer, in addition to his current title as President. Ryan has successfully run the company since joining as President in 2018.
“I’m very pleased to announce that the board has unanimously promoted Ryan Goard to the position of CEO and a member of the Board of Directors,” said Jim Fontaine, Chairman of the Board of Tella Firma Foundations. “The Board is very pleased with Ryan’s performance, and we believe that he is fully ready to take on the full role as President, CEO, and Board Member.”
Goard spent the past twenty years in various sales management roles in the construction and manufacturing industries. In addition to leading the company through two successful quarters this year, he also has helped spearhead a push into the Oil and Gas Industry.
“I am fortunate to be a part of such an extremely talented team that is driven to carry out the vision of Tella Firma,” said Goard. “I’m very honored with this recognition and look forward to leading our team to prominence in the construction industry.”
The Tella Firma foundation system has been used by dozens of builders, with nearly 2,000 foundations installed in commercial and residential projects and is backed by seven issued patents. Tella Firma foundations are designed to protect a building’s foundation from damaging active soil movement with a field-tested process of elevating a slab-on-grade foundation using piers, creating a protective void between the ground and the foundation itself. This application isolates the slab from active soils and guards it from unexpected movement. Tella Firma’s solution is an environmentally friendly, green installation process that avoids the need for any type of chemical or water injection into the soil as part of construction.
About Tella Firma Foundations Dallas-based Tella Firma is a construction technology firm that is revolutionizing the way foundations are built. Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin words meaning “strong castle or structure.” Foundations with the company’s product have been installed in residential and light commercial projects in Texas and Colorado, and the company continues to expand into new markets throughout the region. For additional information, visit tellafirma.com.
https://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.png00dustyhttps://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.pngdusty2019-08-05 21:23:482023-05-30 06:45:54RYAN GOARD IS NAMED CEO OF TELLA FIRMA FOUNDATIONS
(DALLAS—October 15, 2018) Tella Firma Foundations, a construction-technology company, today announced that Avi Kahn, President and CEO of Hilti North America (www.hilti.com), has joined as an independent outside director to its board of directors. Kahn brings vast executive experience in innovative construction products. After starting in territory sales, he worked directly with customers and then progressed through the organization in various leadership roles. Prior to being named President and CEO of Hilti North America, he fulfilled a six-year international assignment as General Manager of Hilti Canada.
“We feel very fortunate to have Avi join our Board with his proven executive and sales experience in the construction products industry,” said Jim Fontaine, CEO of Tella Firma Foundations. “As we continue forward in the commercial market, his expertise in this area will be invaluable.”
Kahn brings nearly fifteen years of experience at Hilti, one of the most well-known international companies in the construction industry. He holds an MBA from Bellevue University, as well as certificates from the management programs of Columbia, Wharton, and Stanford.
“It’s a privilege to work on the board of this cutting-edge construction technology company,” said Kahn. “Tella Firma has the opportunity to bring the industry forward in a new way to handle difficult soils, saving both time and money in an atmosphere of decreasing labor supply and increasing costs. It’s the right solution at the right time. I’m excited to be a part of that.”
The Tella Firma foundation system has been used by dozens of builders, with more than 1,300 foundations installed in commercial and residential projects and is backed by seven issued patents. Tella Firma foundations are designed to protect a building’s foundation from damaging active soil movement with a field-tested process of elevating a slab-on-grade foundation using piers, creating a protective void between the ground and the foundation itself. This application isolates the slab from active soils and guards it from unexpected movement. Tella Firma’s solution is an environmentally friendly, green installation process that avoids the need for any type of chemical or water injection into the soil as part of construction.
About Tella Firma Foundations Dallas-based Tella Firma is a construction technology firm that is revolutionizing the way foundations are built. Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin words meaning “strong castle or structure.” Foundations with the company’s product have been installed in residential and light commercial projects in Texas and Colorado, and the company continues to expand into new markets throughout the region. For additional information, visit tellafirma.com.
About Hilti, Inc. Hilti is a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of quality, innovative and specialized tools and fastening systems for the professional user. With over 1,700 highly trained Hilti account managers and engineers throughout North America and an additional 1,300 Hilti employees nationwide, Hilti expertise covers the areas of powder actuated fastening, drilling and demolition, cordless, diamond coring and cutting, measuring, firestopping, screw fastening, adhesive and mechanical anchoring, and strut and hanger systems.
https://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.png00dustyhttps://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.pngdusty2018-10-09 15:33:492023-05-30 06:45:42TELLA FIRMA FOUNDATIONS NAMES HILTI NORTH AMERICA PRESIDENT AND CEO TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(DALLAS-September 10, 2018) Tella Firma Foundations, a construction-tech company, today announced that Ryan Goard has joined the company as its new President. Ryan previously ran various senior level sales roles in the construction products and manufacturing industries. His last role was in senior leadership at Contech Engineered Solutions, a company that provides site solutions for engineers, contractors, architects and owners in heavy commercial projects.
“We are very excited to have Ryan take on this role at Tella Firma,” said Jim Fontaine, CEO of Tella Firma Foundations. “Not only does Ryan have proven strategic sales and sales management experience in the commercial construction products industry, he also has a proven track record in building and leading teams to execute the company’s strategic vision. He has the unique combination of talents that will help take the company to the next level.”
Fontaine, who previously acted as President, as well as CEO, will continue in the CEO role.
Goard spent the past twenty years in various sales management roles in the construction and manufacturing industries. In his past several roles, he held senior leadership positions that focused on building teams and increasing revenue. At Contech, he essentially began a start-up division within the company that diversified channels to market and provided better coverage for specific account types, increasing revenues significantly in each applied area.
“Tella Firma really is revolutionizing the building industry,” said Goard. “As the company continues to use innovation in numerous building formats, I welcome the opportunity to join this experienced leadership team and contribute to the success of such a dynamic company.”
The Tella Firma foundation system has been used by dozens of builders, with more than 1,300 foundations installed in commercial and residential projects and is backed by seven issued patents. Tella Firma foundations are designed to protect a building’s foundation from damaging active soil movement with a field-tested process of elevating a slab-on-grade foundation using piers, creating a protective void between the ground and the foundation itself. This application isolates the slab from active soils and guards it from unexpected movement. Tella Firma’s solution is an environmentally friendly, green installation process that avoids the need for any type of chemical or water injection into the soil as part of construction.
About Tella Firma Foundations Dallas-based Tella Firma is a construction technology firm that is revolutionizing the way foundations are built. Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin words meaning “strong castle or structure.” Foundations with the company’s product have been installed in residential and light commercial projects in Texas and Colorado, and the company continues to expand into new markets throughout the region. For additional information, visit tellafirma.com.
https://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.png00dustyhttps://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.pngdusty2018-09-14 20:34:242023-05-30 06:44:38RYAN GOARD JOINS TELLA FIRMA AS PRESIDENT
Innovative foundation technology will save nearly $1 million in direct and indirect construction costs for Comal County Taxpayers
(NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS—May 21, 2018) Comal County, Texas, and the Yates-Sundt joint venture announced today they have chosen Tella Firma Foundations, a Dallas-based construction-technology company, to provide an innovative foundation design for the new Comal County Jail, currently under construction.
This foundation solution, chosen through a competitive bidding process, will save the county and its taxpayers nearly $1 million in direct and indirect construction costs.
“We selected Tella Firma not only because we knew they would deliver a high-quality foundation,” said Randy Powell, Senior Vice President of Yates Construction, “but also based on the cost savings and time savings they demonstrated they would bring to the project.”
The building site for the new jail requires a foundation design that can withstand significant vertical soil movement of up to 6.25 inches because of active clay soils that expand and contract in response to changes in moisture. Tella Firma’s solution, which incorporates steel helical piers and steel lifting mechanisms to elevate the concrete slab, creates a 10-inch under-slab void space. The void space is over 1.5 times the potential vertical rise of the underlying soil, allowing for expansion of soils under the slab without damage to the foundation.
“We encouraged our general contractor and A/E partners to consider various opportunities for cost savings throughout the project, including the Tella Firma solution,” said James A. Broaddus, Ph.D., P.E., project manager of Broaddus and Associates. “We’re excited to bring this type of innovative technology to the Comal County Jail.”
“Tella Firma’s innovative design is based on using steel piers placed closer together with a thinner slab, resulting in cost savings by using substantially less concrete in the slab and eliminating the use of expensive concrete piers and other materials”, said Jim Fontaine, the company’s CEO.
The Tella Firma design provides the same level of structural integrity and reliability as traditional foundation design, but at a substantially reduced cost. In addition, the Tella Firma foundation can be installed in less time than traditional methods, creating further cost savings.
The system has been used by dozens of builders, with more than 1,200 foundations installed in commercial and residential projects, and is backed by seven issued patents. This solution is an environmentally friendly installation process that avoids the need for any type of chemical or water injection into the soil as part of construction.
“As with all phases of this project, the county aims to deliver a strong return on taxpayers’ investment,” said Tom Hornseth, Comal County engineer. “At the end of the day, we feel the Tella Firma foundation will represent the best value for our community.”
About Yates Construction Yates Construction is one of the nation’s largest privately held construction companies providing general construction, at-risk construction management, design-build, preconstruction and specialized turnkey services from 16 offices throughout eight states in the U.S., including two Texas offices in San Antonio and Fort Worth. Founded in 1964, Yates is ranked among the top construction services providers in the country by Engineering News Record, with its highest ranking of No. 6 in “Correctional Facilities.” www.wgyates.com
About Sundt Construction Sundt Construction Inc. is one of the country’s largest and most respected general contractors, with 11 offices in Texas, Arizona, California and Utah. Known for its commitment to quality and its innovative approach to construction services, Sundt was named the nation’s safest construction company by the Associated General Contractors of America in 2016. Over the past three decades, Sundt has constructed more than 100,000 detention beds in various custody levels. www.sundt.com
About the Yates-Sundt Joint Venture Building on the success of their established joint venture on a previous project, Yates-Sundt again joined forces for the express purpose of constructing the Comal County Jail and renovating the Sheriff’s Office. Over the past 10 years, Yates and Sundt, collectively have completed more than $1.5 billion in justice and law-enforcement-center projects throughout the U.S.; 16 of those projects were with HDR, the architect on the Comal County project, and three with Broaddus & Associates, Comal County’s project manager.
About Tella Firma Foundations Dallas-based Tella Firma is a construction-technology firm that is revolutionizing the way foundations are built. Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin words meaning “strong home.” Foundations with the company’s product have been installed in residential and light commercial projects in Texas and Colorado, and the company continues to expand into new markets throughout the region. For additional information, visit tellafirma.com.
https://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.png00dustyhttps://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.pngdusty2018-05-23 17:44:022023-05-30 06:49:52COMAL COUNTY AND YATES-SUNDT CONSTRUCTION SELECT TELLA FIRMA FOUNDATIONS FOR NEW COMAL COUNTY JAIL
Former Hilti Executive Joins Tella Firma Foundations Advisory Board, Expanding Team of Strategic Advisors
(DALLAS—DATE, 2018) Tella Firma Foundations (www.tellafirma.com), a construction-technology company, today announced that Chas Gile of Texas-based Third Coast Ventures has joined as a new Advisory Board member. An Advisory Board member acts as strategic advisor and sounding board for the company, supporting its mission to revolutionize the foundation industry.
“We continue to expand our group of world-class advisors, who will challenge our thinking while providing valuable advice for Tella Firma as the company grows and expands its presence in the commercial construction markets,” said Jim Fontaine, CEO of Tella Firma Foundations. “Based on Chas’ wealth of experience and industry knowledge, I know he will become a true asset for our company.”
Chas Gile currently is a partner with Third Coast Ventures, a venture capital and private equity firm, where he oversees a portfolio of real estate and industrial production companies. His prior experience includes management consulting, start-up ventures, business turnarounds, and industrial management.
Gile was a senior executive for Hilti, the Liechtenstein-based multinational company that develops, manufactures, and markets products for the construction, building maintenance and mining industries. At Hilti, he was a member of the executive management team that oversaw all development across North America and was responsible for investment and strategic decisions affecting all new technologies, services and products. He also was responsible for the company’s civil and industrial segments, working directly with some of the largest construction firms in North America.
“Tella Firma clearly has all the ingredients to become the industry standard for foundation construction in Texas and similar markets – innovation that is brilliant in its simplicity, a solution proven hundreds of times across multiple building formats, and a leadership team with proven industry experience,” Gile said. “I’m honored to be a part of something that is not just very cool, but important and even needed.”
Gile received a B.S. from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, and an MBA from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University.
The Tella Firma foundation system has been used by dozens of builders, with more than 1,200 foundations installed in commercial and residential projects, and is backed by seven issued patents. Tella Firma foundations are designed to protect a building’s foundation from damaging active soil movement with a field-tested process of elevating a slab-on-grade foundation using piers, creating a protective void between the ground and the foundation itself. This application isolates the slab from active soils and guards it from unexpected movement. Tella Firma’s solution is an environmentally friendly, green installation process that avoids the need for any type of chemical or water injection into the soil as part of construction.
About Tella Firma Foundations Dallas-based Tella Firma is a construction technology firm that is revolutionizing the way foundations are built. Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin words meaning “strong home.” Foundations with the company’s product have been installed in residential and light commercial projects in Texas and Colorado, and the company continues to expand into new markets throughout the region. For additional information, visit tellafirma.com.
Tella Firma Foundations Names Jim Roach and Tim Looney to its Advisory Board as it Expands into Commercial Market
(DALLAS—March 19, 2018) Tella Firma Foundations, a construction-tech company, today announced that it has added two new Advisory Board members – Jim Roach and Tim Looney. An Advisory Board member acts as strategic advisor and sounding board for the company, supporting its mission to revolutionize the foundation industry.
“Our goal is to form a group of world-class advisors who will provide sound advice while guiding and challenging our thinking as we pursue our strategy for growth,” Fontaine said. “Both Jim and Tim bring a solid business background and specific industry expertise that will benefit Tella Firma as it expands into commercial markets. We are very pleased they have agreed to lend their talents to the company.”
Jim Roach brings 44 years of experience in the commercial construction markets in his role as Commercial Advisor. He currently works for Tribble & Stephens Construction in Houston, serving as manager of preconstruction activities (bidding through design phase) for the company’s commercial retail, office, mid- and high-rise residential, lodging and hospitality, and warehouse design-and-build projects throughout the region. His prior experience includes serving as vice president in charge of estimation for Jordan Foster, a large commercial construction company. Roach is a retired licensed structural engineer with a civil engineering degree from Clemson University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Tim Looney brings over 40 years of experience including executive management of the design and manufacture of ruggedized precision products. He is currently president of TWL Group, a private investment firm with holdings in real estate, healthcare, financial services, social media, and operations/services companies. Prior to founding his current business in 2006, Looney was co-founder of Optex Systems Inc., a defense contractor that produced sighting systems for the U.S. military, which are used in various applications such as Abrams M1 tanks, Stryker armored combat vehicles, and Assault Amphibious Vehicles. He completed the sale of Optex to Pequot Capital in 2006. Looney has served on multiple private, public and non-profit boards during the past 30 years, and currently serves as a director for Vital Art and Science, a medical software company, and Encore Propane, a commercial propane service provider. He served with Fontaine as co-chair of the North Texas Angel Network in 2012.
The Tella Firma foundation system has been used by dozens of builders, with more than 1,200 foundations installed in commercial and residential projects, and is backed by seven issued patents. Tella Firma foundations are designed to protect a building’s foundation from damaging active soil movement with a field-tested process of elevating a slab-on-grade foundation using piers, creating a protective void between the ground and the foundation itself. This application isolates the slab from active soils and guards it from unexpected movement. Tella Firma’s solution is an environmentally friendly, green installation process that avoids the need for any type of chemical or water injection into the soil as part of construction.
About Tella Firma Foundations Dallas-based Tella Firma is a construction technology firm that is revolutionizing the way foundations are built. Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin words meaning “strong home.” Foundations with the company’s product have been installed in residential and light commercial projects in Texas and Colorado, and the company continues to expand into new markets throughout the region. For additional information, visit tellafirma.com.
https://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.png00dustyhttps://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.pngdusty2018-03-19 07:00:302023-05-30 06:40:42TELLA FIRMA NAMES JIM ROACH AND TIM LOONEY TO ITS ADVISORY BOARD AS IT EXPANDS INTO COMMERCIAL MARKET
https://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.png00dustyhttps://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.pngdusty2018-02-19 17:35:182023-05-30 06:38:49TELLA FIRMA WITH RON DAVIS CUSTOM HOMES
FORM studios Architecture planned the building as a mixed-type construction project, with one-half of the building constructed with wood for a one-story classroom built on a slab foundation, and the other half a taller steel structure with columns to support a wide-open area for the sanctuary. Each side would need a different treatment for the foundation to deliver the proper support.
The building site presented additional challenges. Geotechnical reports indicated the site contained very expansive soils with a high PVR (potential vertical rise), and the original plan was to use water and chemical injections with a pier-and-beam foundation to ensure stability. Yet the builder encountered a significant amount of water underground when the drilling began, indicating another approach would be necessary.
According to Jason Presley of FORM studios, the firm had worked with the same contractor when building the Spanish House Immersion School in Dallas the year before, and had success working with the Tella Firma Foundations solution, which elevates the foundation off the ground and away from the expansive soils. This time, Tella Firma helped create a hybrid approach for the Kingdom Life Christian Center, with lifting piers supporting the slab under the classroom and sanctuary sides of the structure, and non-lifting, cased piers supporting the steel columns only in the sanctuary. The team designed a pour strip in between the two sections of the building, and metal stud infill was utilized around the columns. The two sides of the foundation were lifted at different times.
Mr. Presley said the hybrid solution required a little more planning and preparation at the outset, but was well worth the effort in terms of saving money on construction. Beyond the savings realized based on the projected cost of a pier-and-beam foundation, the originally planned remediation of the soil would have increased both the time and cost of the project overall.
According to Mr. Presley, one of the most important considerations for this job was to have a good engineer who could assume responsibility for the design of the foundation around the steel grid. And the outcome demonstrates the benefit of looking at both sides of the equation.
https://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.png00dustyhttps://tellafirma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tella_Firma_Logo_Color_450.pngdusty2018-01-08 16:26:352023-05-30 06:42:11INNOVATIVE FOUNDATION SOLUTION SERVES A DUAL PURPOSE FOR MIXED-CONSTRUCTION KINGDOM LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER IN FRISCO
How Much Do Helical Piers Cost?
Building FoundationHelical piers provide foundational support and can be leveraged for a multitude of structures and applications. They can be used in both a residential and commercial capacity, offering load support through tension or compression, which is applied via a steel shaft fitted with one or more circular plates. The name was originally derived from the physical design of the piles, which resemble a helix. Helical piers are commonly added to existing foundations to bolster support when there is structural damage, or when the infrastructure is built on unstable soil.
When it comes to determining the cost of helical piers, it’s important to take several factors into consideration. In order to procure the most accurate estimate, you’ll need to call on the expertise of an experienced installer who will factor in the following criteria.
How Much Do Helical Piers Cost?
When pricing out the cost of helical piers, a number of variables, such as soil conditions, the size of the structure, its design, and the overall weight, will have an impact on the final price. The method of installation is also a common determinant of cost. While the dimensions of the affected area and the severity of the settling are incredibly significant in calculating the price, most circumstances require more than a single pier.
If the surrounding area contains a driveway, deck, or similar structures, the settling wall is harder to access, and the piers will be dug manually. This process comes with a higher expense and a longer time-till-completion. The price range for piers dug by hand is typically between $1,200 and $1,600 each.
What Are the Factors to Determine the Cost of Helical Piers?
Location of the Project Site
Geographic location is one of the elements that directly affect the cost. From a high-level perspective, the Northwest and Mid-Atlantic states tend to come with more expensive pricing. Project sites located in the Midwest and Plains states are on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to cost.
Type of Project Site
It should come as no surprise that the type of project site you’re working with will also determine the cost of the helical piers. Universally, remedial projects carry a higher price point that new construction that requires pile work. In some instances, the cost of helical piers for new construction projects can be almost half the price of projects that call for repair work.
Soil Condition and Composition
When it comes to selecting the size, design, number, and depth of the piers needed to complete a project, the soil condition will be taken into consideration. Liquefaction, density, and buckling of the bearing layer, as well as the density of the upper fill layers, will play a huge role in determining the type of pile needed and the projected cost of the job. If you are located in an area where the soil is softer, contains a significant number of organics, or your project is taking place in an area with a naturally high water table, there will be additional costs factored into the overall price.
Types of Helical Piers
The cost of helical piers will vary when size, style, and diameter are taken into consideration. There are two types of helical piers – ones with round shafts and ones with square shafts.
Round piles are typically seen in:
While square piles are usually:
Round shafts work well when there’s a need to maintain lateral stability and deal with compression forces. Square shafts, on the other hand, are better suited for areas with tension forces as they have greater yield and tensile strength. You can expect to see a higher price tag associated with helical piers that have bigger diameters.
The Number of Helical Piers Needed
It’s highly likely that your project will require more than one pile. That number is determined and influenced by several factors, including support requirements, loading requirements, structure type, and any building codes applicable to the project. Because helical piers are available in different sizes and price points, two hundred piles in one specific size and wind up costing less than one hundred in another.
The Depth of Installation
Cost is also influenced by the depth of the pile installation, as it requires more material and time when installing foundations at a deeper, more secure level. Many instances call for anchoring to be drilled deep into a layer where more competent soil lives. Required bearing depths can range drastically depending on the specific design loads needed for the proposed structure.
For instance, installing a pier 40’ deep will increase the material cost of the project compared to a job that only requires a depth of 20’. The greater the depth, the more pile extensions needed, which are affixed to the main shaft. With longer piers, drill teams will also need to be on-site for a longer period, impacting the overall cost.
The Bottom Line
As with the majority of construction projects, bids serve as an estimated cost, as unforeseen developments may occur. When you partner with an experienced team of experts to guide you through the process – and have the right product on hand – you’ll not only reap numerous benefits, but you can ensure the work is completed in a quick, cost-effective, and innovative manner.
Remember, when determining the cost of helical piers, there are several factors that are taken into consideration: the type of job (repair or new construction), the style, the location, the depth of the pile installations, the number of piers needed, and the type of soil on site. The best way to map out your project is to request an accurate estimate from your vendor to ensure you make an optimal choice.
What are Helical Piers? A Look at the Purpose of Them for Commercial & Residential Structures
Building FoundationWhether you’re in commercial construction, an architect, or a homeowner, you know that building any kind of structure requires a strong and stable foundation. Think about when you’re driving or walking across a bridge. If you see chips in the concrete or an exposed rebar, you begin wondering about the structural integrity of the bridge. Is it safe? A common and effective solution for ensuring the strength and stability of a residential or commercial structure is the use of helical piles.
What Are Helical Piers and Helical Piles?
If you’ve conducted any research, you may have come across two competing terms – helical piers and helical piles. So, what’s the difference? The truth is the two terms are interchangeable and refer to the exact, same product. They both refer to deep foundational elements that leverage compression or tension to transfer/resist vertical and horizontal loads.
Helical piles, also referred to as screw anchors, screw piers, screw piles, helical piers, helical anchors, helical screw piles, and screw foundations are embedded deep underground during the installation process in order to distribute the massive weight that rests on top of them.
The only difference between these two key terms is the size and materials used. Helical piles are commonly made of concrete, long steel, or wood while piers include materials like concrete/masonry. In order to reach their intended carrying capacity, end-bearing piles are placed in rock or dense soil. They can also shoulder the load via the friction created between the surface of the pile and the soil that surrounds it.
Often, piers/piles will leverage cement grout to elevate the surface friction with the soil. Once installed and positioned correctly, helical piers/piles can either be attached to an existing foundation or utilized for new construction.
What is The Purpose of Helical Piles?
Helical piles/piers resemble hollow steel tubes and are an effective way to stabilize structures of all types and sizes. By anchoring the weight of the loan to the surrounding ground, like a driven pile, these products provide unparalleled foundational support. In order to work adequately, they are installed deep into the ground – sometimes even section by section for optimal functionality.
Helical piers are highly effective when dealing with challenging soil conditions. They’re also used in a variety of applications – from repairing weak foundations to building new structures to stabilizing existing foundations that will be taking on heavier loads. When it comes to the restoration process, piles can be used on a wide spectrum of structures, such as bridges, docks, or railroads that reside on a harbor, wetlands, or areas with weak soil.
How do Helical Piles and Helical Piers Work?
The screw piles are installed directly into the soil. Load capacity is predetermined before beginning installation, in order to calculate where they should be positioned. For example, you’ll want to space them at the right intervals to ensure they are equally sharing the weight of the structure on top.
Creating a solid foundation is paramount. Trains, for example, can be derailed if their tracks settle from softened, oversaturated, or weakened soil. Just a few inches is all it takes to throw a structure out of alignment.
During the installation process, a Hydraulic drill motor is attached to an excavator, screwing the piles/piers into the ground at varying depths. Generally speaking, these are installed between ten and thirty feet below the ground’s surface. The depth is ultimately determined by the size, shape, and build of the structure. If they don’t meet the required torque, for example, they will be screwed deeper into the earth for maximal support.
What Are They Made of and How Long Do They Last?
In order to prevent rusting, helical piers are made of galvanized steel and concrete. They will always vary in size, style, and diameter based on the structure that’s being built or repaired. When it comes to their shape, you can expect to see two types of helical piers – ones with square shafts and ones with round shafts. Square shafts are the preferred choice for areas with tension forces due to their tensile strength and greater yield. Square piles are typically sized 1.5”, 1.75”, 2”, 2.25” and up while round piles come in 2 7/8”, 3.5”, 4.5”, 5.5”, 6.5”, 8”, 10”, and higher. Round shafts are effective for construction projects that require strong lateral stability and will be exposed to compression forces. The bigger the diameter, the more you can expect cost-wise for these helical piers.
Generally, piles are expected to last around one hundred and fifty years. Their lifespans may be longer or shorter – it all depends on the surrounding soil conditions.
Foundations created or repaired with helical piers and piles are an effective way to ensure the foundation is adequately reinforced. Not only are they an economical solution, but they’re relatively quick to install and provide a tremendous amount of strength and stability for various structures. They’re especially handy when it comes to reinforcing a foundation that requires repairs. Whether they’re being used in a residential or commercial capacity, their long life spans and proven efficacy make them a popular choice to use when doing construction projects.
RYAN GOARD IS NAMED CEO OF TELLA FIRMA FOUNDATIONS
News Release“I’m very pleased to announce that the board has unanimously promoted Ryan Goard to the position of CEO and a member of the Board of Directors,” said Jim Fontaine, Chairman of the Board of Tella Firma Foundations. “The Board is very pleased with Ryan’s performance, and we believe that he is fully ready to take on the full role as President, CEO, and Board Member.”
Goard spent the past twenty years in various sales management roles in the construction and manufacturing industries. In addition to leading the company through two successful quarters this year, he also has helped spearhead a push into the Oil and Gas Industry.
“I am fortunate to be a part of such an extremely talented team that is driven to carry out the vision of Tella Firma,” said Goard. “I’m very honored with this recognition and look forward to leading our team to prominence in the construction industry.”
The Tella Firma foundation system has been used by dozens of builders, with nearly 2,000 foundations installed in commercial and residential projects and is backed by seven issued patents. Tella Firma foundations are designed to protect a building’s foundation from damaging active soil movement with a field-tested process of elevating a slab-on-grade foundation using piers, creating a protective void between the ground and the foundation itself. This application isolates the slab from active soils and guards it from unexpected movement. Tella Firma’s solution is an environmentally friendly, green installation process that avoids the need for any type of chemical or water injection into the soil as part of construction.
About Tella Firma Foundations
Dallas-based Tella Firma is a construction technology firm that is revolutionizing the way foundations are built. Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin words meaning “strong castle or structure.” Foundations with the company’s product have been installed in residential and light commercial projects in Texas and Colorado, and the company continues to expand into new markets throughout the region. For additional information, visit tellafirma.com.
TELLA FIRMA FOUNDATIONS NAMES HILTI NORTH AMERICA PRESIDENT AND CEO TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
News Release“We feel very fortunate to have Avi join our Board with his proven executive and sales experience in the construction products industry,” said Jim Fontaine, CEO of Tella Firma Foundations. “As we continue forward in the commercial market, his expertise in this area will be invaluable.”
Kahn brings nearly fifteen years of experience at Hilti, one of the most well-known international companies in the construction industry. He holds an MBA from Bellevue University, as well as certificates from the management programs of Columbia, Wharton, and Stanford.
“It’s a privilege to work on the board of this cutting-edge construction technology company,” said Kahn. “Tella Firma has the opportunity to bring the industry forward in a new way to handle difficult soils, saving both time and money in an atmosphere of decreasing labor supply and increasing costs. It’s the right solution at the right time. I’m excited to be a part of that.”
The Tella Firma foundation system has been used by dozens of builders, with more than 1,300 foundations installed in commercial and residential projects and is backed by seven issued patents. Tella Firma foundations are designed to protect a building’s foundation from damaging active soil movement with a field-tested process of elevating a slab-on-grade foundation using piers, creating a protective void between the ground and the foundation itself. This application isolates the slab from active soils and guards it from unexpected movement. Tella Firma’s solution is an environmentally friendly, green installation process that avoids the need for any type of chemical or water injection into the soil as part of construction.
About Tella Firma Foundations
Dallas-based Tella Firma is a construction technology firm that is revolutionizing the way foundations are built. Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin words meaning “strong castle or structure.” Foundations with the company’s product have been installed in residential and light commercial projects in Texas and Colorado, and the company continues to expand into new markets throughout the region. For additional information, visit tellafirma.com.
About Hilti, Inc.
Hilti is a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of quality, innovative and specialized tools and fastening systems for the professional user. With over 1,700 highly trained Hilti account managers and engineers throughout North America and an additional 1,300 Hilti employees nationwide, Hilti expertise covers the areas of powder actuated fastening, drilling and demolition, cordless, diamond coring and cutting, measuring, firestopping, screw fastening, adhesive and mechanical anchoring, and strut and hanger systems.
RYAN GOARD JOINS TELLA FIRMA AS PRESIDENT
News Release(DALLAS-September 10, 2018) Tella Firma Foundations, a construction-tech company, today announced that Ryan Goard has joined the company as its new President. Ryan previously ran various senior level sales roles in the construction products and manufacturing industries. His last role was in senior leadership at Contech Engineered Solutions, a company that provides site solutions for engineers, contractors, architects and owners in heavy commercial projects.
“We are very excited to have Ryan take on this role at Tella Firma,” said Jim Fontaine, CEO of Tella Firma Foundations. “Not only does Ryan have proven strategic sales and sales management experience in the commercial construction products industry, he also has a proven track record in building and leading teams to execute the company’s strategic vision. He has the unique combination of talents that will help take the company to the next level.”
Fontaine, who previously acted as President, as well as CEO, will continue in the CEO role.
Goard spent the past twenty years in various sales management roles in the construction and manufacturing industries. In his past several roles, he held senior leadership positions that focused on building teams and increasing revenue. At Contech, he essentially began a start-up division within the company that diversified channels to market and provided better coverage for specific account types, increasing revenues significantly in each applied area.
“Tella Firma really is revolutionizing the building industry,” said Goard. “As the company continues to use innovation in numerous building formats, I welcome the opportunity to join this experienced leadership team and contribute to the success of such a dynamic company.”
The Tella Firma foundation system has been used by dozens of builders, with more than 1,300 foundations installed in commercial and residential projects and is backed by seven issued patents. Tella Firma foundations are designed to protect a building’s foundation from damaging active soil movement with a field-tested process of elevating a slab-on-grade foundation using piers, creating a protective void between the ground and the foundation itself. This application isolates the slab from active soils and guards it from unexpected movement. Tella Firma’s solution is an environmentally friendly, green installation process that avoids the need for any type of chemical or water injection into the soil as part of construction.
About Tella Firma Foundations
Dallas-based Tella Firma is a construction technology firm that is revolutionizing the way foundations are built. Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin words meaning “strong castle or structure.” Foundations with the company’s product have been installed in residential and light commercial projects in Texas and Colorado, and the company continues to expand into new markets throughout the region. For additional information, visit tellafirma.com.
COMAL COUNTY AND YATES-SUNDT CONSTRUCTION SELECT TELLA FIRMA FOUNDATIONS FOR NEW COMAL COUNTY JAIL
Building Foundation, Commercial Construction, News ReleaseInnovative foundation technology will save nearly $1 million in direct and indirect construction costs for Comal County Taxpayers
(NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS—May 21, 2018) Comal County, Texas, and the Yates-Sundt joint venture announced today they have chosen Tella Firma Foundations, a Dallas-based construction-technology company, to provide an innovative foundation design for the new Comal County Jail, currently under construction.
This foundation solution, chosen through a competitive bidding process, will save the county and its taxpayers nearly $1 million in direct and indirect construction costs.
“We selected Tella Firma not only because we knew they would deliver a high-quality foundation,” said Randy Powell, Senior Vice President of Yates Construction, “but also based on the cost savings and time savings they demonstrated they would bring to the project.”
The building site for the new jail requires a foundation design that can withstand significant vertical soil movement of up to 6.25 inches because of active clay soils that expand and contract in response to changes in moisture. Tella Firma’s solution, which incorporates steel helical piers and steel lifting mechanisms to elevate the concrete slab, creates a 10-inch under-slab void space. The void space is over 1.5 times the potential vertical rise of the underlying soil, allowing for expansion of soils under the slab without damage to the foundation.
“We encouraged our general contractor and A/E partners to consider various opportunities for cost savings throughout the project, including the Tella Firma solution,” said James A. Broaddus, Ph.D., P.E., project manager of Broaddus and Associates. “We’re excited to bring this type of innovative technology to the Comal County Jail.”
“Tella Firma’s innovative design is based on using steel piers placed closer together with a thinner slab, resulting in cost savings by using substantially less concrete in the slab and eliminating the use of expensive concrete piers and other materials”, said Jim Fontaine, the company’s CEO.
The Tella Firma design provides the same level of structural integrity and reliability as traditional foundation design, but at a substantially reduced cost. In addition, the Tella Firma foundation can be installed in less time than traditional methods, creating further cost savings.
The system has been used by dozens of builders, with more than 1,200 foundations installed in commercial and residential projects, and is backed by seven issued patents. This solution is an environmentally friendly installation process that avoids the need for any type of chemical or water injection into the soil as part of construction.
“As with all phases of this project, the county aims to deliver a strong return on taxpayers’ investment,” said Tom Hornseth, Comal County engineer. “At the end of the day, we feel the Tella Firma foundation will represent the best value for our community.”
About Yates Construction
Yates Construction is one of the nation’s largest privately held construction companies providing general construction, at-risk construction management, design-build, preconstruction and specialized turnkey services from 16 offices throughout eight states in the U.S., including two Texas offices in San Antonio and Fort Worth. Founded in 1964, Yates is ranked among the top construction services providers in the country by Engineering News Record, with its highest ranking of No. 6 in “Correctional Facilities.” www.wgyates.com
About Sundt Construction
Sundt Construction Inc. is one of the country’s largest and most respected general contractors, with 11 offices in Texas, Arizona, California and Utah. Known for its commitment to quality and its innovative approach to construction services, Sundt was named the nation’s safest construction company by the Associated General Contractors of America in 2016. Over the past three decades, Sundt has constructed more than 100,000 detention beds in various custody levels. www.sundt.com
About the Yates-Sundt Joint Venture
Building on the success of their established joint venture on a previous project, Yates-Sundt again joined forces for the express purpose of constructing the Comal County Jail and renovating the Sheriff’s Office. Over the past 10 years, Yates and Sundt, collectively have completed more than $1.5 billion in justice and law-enforcement-center projects throughout the U.S.; 16 of those projects were with HDR, the architect on the Comal County project, and three with Broaddus & Associates, Comal County’s project manager.
About Tella Firma Foundations
Dallas-based Tella Firma is a construction-technology firm that is revolutionizing the way foundations are built. Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin words meaning “strong home.” Foundations with the company’s product have been installed in residential and light commercial projects in Texas and Colorado, and the company continues to expand into new markets throughout the region. For additional information, visit tellafirma.com.
FORMER HILTI EXECUTIVE JOINS TELLA FIRMA FOUNDATIONS ADVISORY BOARD, EXPANDING TEAM OF STRATEGIC ADVISORS
News ReleaseFormer Hilti Executive Joins Tella Firma Foundations Advisory Board, Expanding Team of Strategic Advisors
(DALLAS—DATE, 2018) Tella Firma Foundations (www.tellafirma.com), a construction-technology company, today announced that Chas Gile of Texas-based Third Coast Ventures has joined as a new Advisory Board member. An Advisory Board member acts as strategic advisor and sounding board for the company, supporting its mission to revolutionize the foundation industry.
“We continue to expand our group of world-class advisors, who will challenge our thinking while providing valuable advice for Tella Firma as the company grows and expands its presence in the commercial construction markets,” said Jim Fontaine, CEO of Tella Firma Foundations. “Based on Chas’ wealth of experience and industry knowledge, I know he will become a true asset for our company.”
Chas Gile currently is a partner with Third Coast Ventures, a venture capital and private equity firm, where he oversees a portfolio of real estate and industrial production companies. His prior experience includes management consulting, start-up ventures, business turnarounds, and industrial management.
Gile was a senior executive for Hilti, the Liechtenstein-based multinational company that develops, manufactures, and markets products for the construction, building maintenance and mining industries. At Hilti, he was a member of the executive management team that oversaw all development across North America and was responsible for investment and strategic decisions affecting all new technologies, services and products. He also was responsible for the company’s civil and industrial segments, working directly with some of the largest construction firms in North America.
“Tella Firma clearly has all the ingredients to become the industry standard for foundation construction in Texas and similar markets – innovation that is brilliant in its simplicity, a solution proven hundreds of times across multiple building formats, and a leadership team with proven industry experience,” Gile said. “I’m honored to be a part of something that is not just very cool, but important and even needed.”
Gile received a B.S. from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, and an MBA from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University.
The Tella Firma foundation system has been used by dozens of builders, with more than 1,200 foundations installed in commercial and residential projects, and is backed by seven issued patents. Tella Firma foundations are designed to protect a building’s foundation from damaging active soil movement with a field-tested process of elevating a slab-on-grade foundation using piers, creating a protective void between the ground and the foundation itself. This application isolates the slab from active soils and guards it from unexpected movement. Tella Firma’s solution is an environmentally friendly, green installation process that avoids the need for any type of chemical or water injection into the soil as part of construction.
About Tella Firma Foundations
Dallas-based Tella Firma is a construction technology firm that is revolutionizing the way foundations are built. Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin words meaning “strong home.” Foundations with the company’s product have been installed in residential and light commercial projects in Texas and Colorado, and the company continues to expand into new markets throughout the region. For additional information, visit tellafirma.com.
TELLA FIRMA NAMES JIM ROACH AND TIM LOONEY TO ITS ADVISORY BOARD AS IT EXPANDS INTO COMMERCIAL MARKET
Building Foundation, Commercial Construction, News ReleaseTella Firma Foundations Names Jim Roach and Tim Looney to its Advisory Board as it Expands into Commercial Market
(DALLAS—March 19, 2018) Tella Firma Foundations, a construction-tech company, today announced that it has added two new Advisory Board members – Jim Roach and Tim Looney. An Advisory Board member acts as strategic advisor and sounding board for the company, supporting its mission to revolutionize the foundation industry.
“Our goal is to form a group of world-class advisors who will provide sound advice while guiding and challenging our thinking as we pursue our strategy for growth,” Fontaine said. “Both Jim and Tim bring a solid business background and specific industry expertise that will benefit Tella Firma as it expands into commercial markets. We are very pleased they have agreed to lend their talents to the company.”
Jim Roach brings 44 years of experience in the commercial construction markets in his role as Commercial Advisor. He currently works for Tribble & Stephens Construction in Houston, serving as manager of preconstruction activities (bidding through design phase) for the company’s commercial retail, office, mid- and high-rise residential, lodging and hospitality, and warehouse design-and-build projects throughout the region. His prior experience includes serving as vice president in charge of estimation for Jordan Foster, a large commercial construction company. Roach is a retired licensed structural engineer with a civil engineering degree from Clemson University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Tim Looney brings over 40 years of experience including executive management of the design and manufacture of ruggedized precision products. He is currently president of TWL Group, a private investment firm with holdings in real estate, healthcare, financial services, social media, and operations/services companies. Prior to founding his current business in 2006, Looney was co-founder of Optex Systems Inc., a defense contractor that produced sighting systems for the U.S. military, which are used in various applications such as Abrams M1 tanks, Stryker armored combat vehicles, and Assault Amphibious Vehicles. He completed the sale of Optex to Pequot Capital in 2006. Looney has served on multiple private, public and non-profit boards during the past 30 years, and currently serves as a director for Vital Art and Science, a medical software company, and Encore Propane, a commercial propane service provider. He served with Fontaine as co-chair of the North Texas Angel Network in 2012.
The Tella Firma foundation system has been used by dozens of builders, with more than 1,200 foundations installed in commercial and residential projects, and is backed by seven issued patents. Tella Firma foundations are designed to protect a building’s foundation from damaging active soil movement with a field-tested process of elevating a slab-on-grade foundation using piers, creating a protective void between the ground and the foundation itself. This application isolates the slab from active soils and guards it from unexpected movement. Tella Firma’s solution is an environmentally friendly, green installation process that avoids the need for any type of chemical or water injection into the soil as part of construction.
About Tella Firma Foundations
Dallas-based Tella Firma is a construction technology firm that is revolutionizing the way foundations are built. Tella Firma gets its name from the Latin words meaning “strong home.” Foundations with the company’s product have been installed in residential and light commercial projects in Texas and Colorado, and the company continues to expand into new markets throughout the region. For additional information, visit tellafirma.com.
TELLA FIRMA WITH RON DAVIS CUSTOM HOMES
News ReleaseINNOVATIVE FOUNDATION SOLUTION SERVES A DUAL PURPOSE FOR MIXED-CONSTRUCTION KINGDOM LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER IN FRISCO
Building Foundation, Commercial Construction, News ReleaseFORM studios Architecture planned the building as a mixed-type construction project, with one-half of the building constructed with wood for a one-story classroom built on a slab foundation, and the other half a taller steel structure with columns to support a wide-open area for the sanctuary. Each side would need a different treatment for the foundation to deliver the proper support.
The building site presented additional challenges. Geotechnical reports indicated the site contained very expansive soils with a high PVR (potential vertical rise), and the original plan was to use water and chemical injections with a pier-and-beam foundation to ensure stability. Yet the builder encountered a significant amount of water underground when the drilling began, indicating another approach would be necessary.
According to Jason Presley of FORM studios, the firm had worked with the same contractor when building the Spanish House Immersion School in Dallas the year before, and had success working with the Tella Firma Foundations solution, which elevates the foundation off the ground and away from the expansive soils. This time, Tella Firma helped create a hybrid approach for the Kingdom Life Christian Center, with lifting piers supporting the slab under the classroom and sanctuary sides of the structure, and non-lifting, cased piers supporting the steel columns only in the sanctuary. The team designed a pour strip in between the two sections of the building, and metal stud infill was utilized around the columns. The two sides of the foundation were lifted at different times.
Mr. Presley said the hybrid solution required a little more planning and preparation at the outset, but was well worth the effort in terms of saving money on construction. Beyond the savings realized based on the projected cost of a pier-and-beam foundation, the originally planned remediation of the soil would have increased both the time and cost of the project overall.
According to Mr. Presley, one of the most important considerations for this job was to have a good engineer who could assume responsibility for the design of the foundation around the steel grid. And the outcome demonstrates the benefit of looking at both sides of the equation.