George Washington Elementary

Stabilizing a Three-Story School with Deep Push Pier Foundation Support

When foundation settlement threatened the long-term stability of the George Washington Elementary School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a dependable deep foundation solution was required to restore structural support and protect the three-story building.

Subsurface conditions revealed a challenging soil profile. Approximately 10 feet below the surface, crews encountered a weak soil layer incapable of adequately supporting the structure. To permanently transfer the building's load to competent bearing strata, 74 MAGNUM® Push Piers were installed to depths ranging from 42 to 54 feet, terminating in bedrock.

The installation presented unique geotechnical conditions. The upper soils required approximately 6,800 psi to penetrate into the weak layer, followed by 30 to 40 feet of relatively soft soils requiring only 1,200 to 2,400 psi before reaching competent bedrock, where installation pressures increased to approximately 7,500 psi. This pressure profile confirmed the need for a deep foundation solution capable of bypassing unsuitable soils and achieving reliable end bearing.

To maximize structural stability, the push piers were installed in a staggered configuration along both the interior and exterior of the foundation. This arrangement provided balanced support and helped resist wall rotation caused by the building's three-story height, resulting in a more stable and durable foundation system.

Project Highlights

• Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
• Application: Foundation Stabilization
• Structure: Three-Story Elementary School
• Foundation System: 74 MAGNUM® Push Piers
• Installation Depth: 42–54 feet to bedrock
• Challenge: Poor bearing soils approximately 10 feet below grade
• Solution: Deep push pier system with staggered interior and exterior installation for enhanced structural stability

Why MAGNUM®

When structures experience settlement caused by weak subsurface soils, a reliable foundation solution must extend beyond the problem—not simply reinforce it. MAGNUM® Push Pier Systems transfer structural loads to competent bearing strata, providing long-term stability while minimizing disruption to existing buildings. Whether supporting schools, commercial facilities, industrial structures, or residential buildings, MAGNUM delivers proven foundation solutions built to perform in challenging ground conditions.