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VersaGrade is a licensed certified Ram Jack Installer, and is happy to provide Ram Jack solutions. Ram Jack recently was able to participate in the very first liquefaction testing of remedial helical piles ever to take place in the United States. The shake test occurred on April 2, 2019, at the University of California, San…
Read MoreMicropiles and Soil Nails: What Projects Benefit
December 22nd, 2017What Are Micropiles? Micropiles are small diameter piles, typically between 3-12 inches, that are used for foundation underpinning and new construction. They can extend up to 200 feet, and provide deep foundation support for a variety of structures. Micropiles can be useful in areas where space limitations exist or where soil conditions are not practical…
Read MoreFoundation Settlement – When is it a problem?
December 14th, 2017With the exception of houses built on solid rock, ALL foundations settle over time. Fixing foundation is not uncommon but you should still consult a residential foundation contractor to help. A typical total foundation settlement range is up to approximately one inch. The alternative is to build on soil, which has a tendency to settle…
Read MoreI Have Foundation Cracks – Should I Be Concerned?
October 5th, 2017Foundation cracks worry a lot of people. Home inspectors may tell you that they need to be repaired, and to consult with foundation repair contractors/residential foundation contractors. Home buyers may see problems that call for your foundation fixing but walk away from a potential transaction or ask for a reduction in the sales price. Truth…
Read MoreVersaGrade, Inc. Specialty Foundation Design Project VersaGrade’s foundation design specialty project for the 12,000 square foot expansion of STEP 2, a non-profit organization in Reno, NV, was recently featured in an industry newsletter! Read the entire case study, originally featured on the Helical Pile World website and newsletter. “The soils investigation confirmed the project site would not…
Read More5 Warning Signs You Need Foundation Repair
August 22nd, 2016A structure does not have to be older to be in need of foundation repair. The need for fixing foundation can also be caused by construction, soils, and weather. The warning signs which indicate foundation problems are subtle. If ignored, it could turn into a bigger project down the road. It is crucial for your…
Read MoreStoker Project Basement Wall Repair 3/17/16
March 17th, 2016PROJECT DESCRIPTION Residential homes around Reno Nevada built between the 1920’s -50’s were typically built with unfinished basements for food, coal, & dry storage. A fair amount of these basements were constructed with little or no reinforcing steel. It was not uncommon for the structures that did have reinforcement, to consist of old fence posts,…
Read MoreJ & J Nevada – Seismic Retrofit & Tenant Improvement with Micropiles
February 3rd, 2016PROJECT DESCRIPTION: J & J Nevada was a project involving a seismic retrofit and tenant improvement to an existing warehouse in Sparks, Nevada. Additional truck docks were required to be installed, changing the structural characteristics of the tilt up concrete building. The installation of a moment frame on the interior of the structure required some…
Read MoreStep 2 – New Construction Pile Fixing Foundation 12/23/2015
December 23rd, 2015PROJECT DESCRIPTION: STEP 2 is a private non-profit organization that has been serving Northern Nevada since 1986. Its mission is to provide comprehensive, coordinated services related to the treatment and recovery of chemically dependent women and their families. The 12,000 square foot expansion project adds a 20 bed residential housing component and storage facility to…
Read MoreNew Guy Anchors 5/18/2015
May 18th, 2015A project for NV Energy required the installation of Helical Anchors for guy wire supports on power poles that needed to be replaced. Access was the challenge for this project as the power poles were in common areas and behind houses with limited space. One of our Compact Excavators equipped with a Hydraulic Torque Drive…
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