A condominium unit in the Gardens of Beacon Square community in New Port Richey, FL was showing clear signs of severe foundation settlement. One portion of the building had sunk noticeably, with prominent stairstep cracks forming in the masonry—classic indicators of significant structural movement.

Following a detailed evaluation by AWARD Engineering, multiple contributing factors were identified:

• Thermal expansion and contraction of building materials
• Inadequate foundation embedment during original construction
• Shrink-swell behavior of shallow clay soils, observed during hand auger tests
• Organic soil shifting from tree root activity and organic decay

The property owner’s primary goals were to:

• Correct the slab settlement and lift the structure
• Stop the progression of cracking
• Stabilize the foundation for long-term performance

Helicon’s team worked in collaboration with AWARD Engineering to design a dual-approach repair plan tailored to the site’s soil profile and structural needs.

Repairing a foundation in clay soil conditions presents unique difficulties. Clay’s low permeability makes it harder for polyurethane grout to disperse evenly, which can leave untreated voids. In addition, clay is highly moisture-sensitive—it swells when wet and shrinks when dry—causing ongoing stress on both underpinning elements and grout-treated zones.

Other challenges included:

• Injection pressure control – Clay resists grout flow, which can require higher pressures and increase the risk of over-lift or blowouts
• Long-term stability concerns – Seasonal expansion and contraction can impact the alignment of piers and the bond of grout over time
• Nearby structural sensitivity – Needed to avoid affecting adjoining condo units or utilities

Step 1 – Steel Push Pier Underpinning

Helicon installed 7 galvanized steel push piers at strategic load-bearing points around the affected section of the building. These piers were hydraulically driven through the unstable upper layers down to dense load-bearing soils or limestone bedrock.

Benefits:

• Transfers the structural load to competent strata below problem soils
• Provides immediate stabilization
• Allows for controlled lift to correct settlement

Step 2 – Polyurethane Chemical Grouting

To complement the underpinning system, Helicon performed targeted two-part polyurethane injection beneath the slab, applying 150 pounds of grout.

The foam:

• Expanded to fill hidden voids beneath the foundation
• Compacted loose soils to increase load capacity
• Provided additional protection against localized settlement

Why a Dual Approach Works Best in Severe Settlement Cases

For high-risk foundation issues—especially where soil movement could escalate into sinkhole activity—a combined underpinning and chemical grouting strategy offers the most comprehensive solution.

• Underpinning addresses deep structural support and stops major movement
• Polyurethane grouting secures near-surface soils and prevents minor void-related settling

This two-part method ensures the foundation is stabilized from bedrock to surface level, reducing both immediate and long-term risks.

The Results

Upon completion, the condominium unit was:

• Lifted back toward its original elevation
• Stairstep cracks closed and stabilized
• Foundation reinforced to withstand future soil shifts
• Protected from the moisture-driven expansion and contraction typical of Florida’s clay soils

The homeowner and condo association now have a permanent, engineered solution backed by Helicon’s expertise in complex soil conditions.

Why New Port Richey Homeowners Choose Helicon

Helicon is trusted throughout Pasco County and Tampa Bay for solving the most challenging foundation repair cases. Our team specializes in engineered solutions that combine deep foundation systems with soil stabilization technology for long-term protection.