How to Straighten a Leaning Timber Pile That was Driven? 1

[Ron247]

I have a Client with an elevated cabin on the river that has noticed 2 or 3 driven piles that lean noticeably. The piles are adjacent to each other and both lean in the same direction that coincides with a bowed wall section that is bowed in the same direction. It is almost impossible to determine when and how this occurred. They have not been at the cabin for months, there was some vehicle impact years ago, a tornado years ago and the general area upstairs was remodeled a few years ago. Now that they have noticed them, it bothers them.

The question is whether there is a way to straighten the piles while not affecting their ability to resist lateral loads. The visible pile is not damaged but it is believed they rotated some. The lower area is not braced, the piles are the only thing to resist lateral forces and movement. The bottom does have a 4" concrete slab with perimeter turn down.

Assuming they are willing to modify the upper connection if needed, is there a reasonable way to plumb the driven timber pile?

 

[jayrod12]

Nope. It's likely that the soil it is embedded in has moved and therefore if you try to bend the pile back to plumb, all you're doing is stressing it significantly more than it already is.

 

[Retrograde]

I agree with jayrod12. Either there has been soil movement - or the piles have always been out-of-plumb.

 

[Ron247]

Thanks all, I agree with the responses. Never hurts to get a 2nd opinion before you have to tell the client something they don't want to hear.

 

[JoshPlumSE]

No, I don't think you want to "correct" the issue by moving the pile itself. You could try to shore up or jack the structure into the position you want it and then re-attach it to the existing piles to account for any rotation that occured.

A leaning pile by itself isn't really a problem. But, if they can't stand the look of it, then maybe cut the existing piles and add new ones... But, that is a tricky / expensive proposition with what is probably limited overhead room.

 

[dauwerda]

If it is bothering them that much, just dress the piles up with an architectural detail that is installed plumb (provided the strength/performance of the pile has not been compromised).

 

[Ron247]

I think they have decided to live with it. I told him that he would eventually spot something else that bothers him and then the leaning column would be less of a problem.