A GeoPoem By A GeoPoet Who Loves Geopier Ground Improvement
authored by derek simpson, p.e., helical drilling
Farewell Mr. Pressure Injected Footing (aka Mr. PIF)
A bright sunny day in summer 1903
Mr. PIF is prepared for all gathered to see
Deep fills and organics, one can’t build on such land!
Mr. PIF to the rescue (bearing in underlying sand)
Such rapid construction… over seven per day!
Such high capacity… measured in tons you say!?
The casings are driven, the plugs are expelled
The rebar is placed and everything’s swell
After months of construction, the PIFs are all in
It’s time for building construction to begin
Pile caps, grade beams, structural slabs (oh so thick!)
(You need these with PIFs to avoid cracks in your brick)
Many structures are built, and a century wisps by
Mr. PIF has grown older (and is no longer spry)
“Not to worry” he thinks, no one dares challenge me
I’ve been doing it the same since 1903!
Who dares such a feat? Who spurs such intrusion?...
...Geopier Rammed Aggregate Piers and Rigid Inclusions!
They challenge convention, and traditions, they fall
They’re studied and tested and prodded by all
Poor soils can be improved… no longer a frustration
Welcome slabs-on-grade and conventional footing foundations!
Such quick installation, over forty per day!
At least 6 ksf bearing, that’s allowable you say!?
They start with shy structures, one story to five
Then befriend shiny towers, some kissing the sky
Buildings rise from the ashes without any strife
Geotechs love them (“where have you been all my life?”)
The Owner is happy and so are his minions
Saving truckloads of money, sometimes even millions
Breaking ground every day and always evolving
With attention to detail on the problems they’re solving
Alas, so it seems, it’s their time in the sun
Farewell Mr. PIF, you had a good run
