HOUSE LIFTING TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR REPORT-2015

1. INTRODUCTION

When we build our home, we should make sure that it is protected against all
forms of natural disaster. If your house is lying in a low land area near the sea or the
river, then there are a lot of chances that our house would be affected with floods.
When the houses were constructed, enough anti flood measures were not taken to
protect it from floods. Also, when roads are re-laid in a specific locality, it is common
to find the road height growing higher than the ground-level of several houses on
either side of the road over a period of time. This can lead to several problems such as
water flowing into the house premises. However, today this technology is available in
our reach. For many, the solution remains increasing the floor level, or rebuilding the
structure.

House-raising is a lengthy process that involves separating a house from its

foundation and temporarily raising it with hydraulic jacks. The process is similar but
distinct from house-moving, in which a house is transported some distance to a
different location. We can make use of this latest technology to ensure that we lift our
house out of harm's way.

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2.THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HOUSE LIFTING

A house is one of the greatest assets which anyone possesses and constructing
one's dream home is a very tricky and difficult task. Building a house is quite intricate
and puts us through quite a lot of issues and obligations more to the point;
construction planning is one such complicated task... in case if you are constructing a
dream house then you need to consider numerous aspects to construct a safe and
secure home that stands tall for several years to come. When we build our house we
should make sure whether it is safeguarded from all forms of natural disaster as well.

Being more specific, houses that are put up in low-lying areas often face a big
issue. This problem is never-ending during the cloudburst seasons when there is
profound rainfall and a heavy inflow of water into the low-lying lands. Before now
the rise and fall of tides engender problems to such houses; the incessant falling rains
make this problem even worse. As a result, there is a solution to this problem and it
would be house lifting. With this advancement in the technology your dream house
can be protected completely however it is imperative to know the pros and cons of it.

There are many scenarios where lifting your home can be a viable option.
Some of the most common examples are flooding, short basement/crawlspace, adding
another story and commercial renovation.

Flooding: Each year different areas of the country get more rain than what the local
rivers, canals and storm drains can handle. If the home or local business is in one of
these areas and has been flooded once or many times, this technique will help. It will
need to find out from the town where the 100-year flood plain is for the property.
Lifting above this level will give you added protection from the big storms and many
times will cut your flood insurance drastically. Sometimes houses need to be raised
just one block (8″) and sometimes they need 12′ or more.

Flood protection can be added after a home is built by house-raising.

Habitually wet basements are subject to mold growth, and the situation can be
permanently remedied by raising the basement above the water table. This move can
also lower flood insurance rates or ensure compliance with building codes. For homes
located in special flood hazard zones, the Federal Emergency Management Agency

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(FEMA) states that homeowners must either elevate the lowest floor above the flood-
protection elevation or move or flood-proof their building.

Adding Head Room to Basement/Crawlspace: If the house with only a 6′ basement,

a partial basement or even just a crawlspace, than this technique could be an excellent
choice. In this case there are two different options or combinations that can happen.
Option number one is to raise the house to an elevation that gives you the desired
head room in your basement area. Option number two is to support your house right
where it is and excavate below it for the desired basement space.

Commercial Renovation: When a business needs more space there are several
solutions building lifting can help. It can lift the roof of structure up to give an added
height.

Homeowners raise their houses for the following reasons:

 When roads are re-laid in a specific locality, it is common to find the road height
growing higher than the ground-level of several houses on either side of the road
over a period of time. This can lead to several problems such as water flowing into
the house premises.

 A basement can be constructed from an existing crawlspace. Basements

significantly increase property values, and they provide additional storage and
living space for occupants.

 The foundation is in need of repair.

 House-lifting can offset excessive settling.

 House-raising is done to move and rotate the structure for aesthetic purposes. For
instance, buildings are sometimes rotated to avoid the unpleasantness of nearby
highways or commercial structures. Houses may also be rotated to fine-tune when
and where different parts of the house receive sunlight.

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3. CONSIDERATIONS

3.1 AMOUNT OF ELEVATION

The amount of elevation required is determined by the Flood Protection

Elevation (FPE) you have chosen. For example, if your FPE is equal to the Base
Flood Elevation (BFE), you will need to elevate your house so that the lowest floor is
at or above that elevation (see Figure 3.1). If your house has been substantially
damaged or is being substantially improved, your community’s floodplain
management ordinance or law will require that your lowest floor be elevated to or
above the BFE. If substantial damage and substantial improvement do not apply, you
may be able to elevate to any height you wish. But, keep in mind that raising your
house to an elevation below BFE not only provides less protection but also results in
little, if any, decrease in the flood insurance rate. Regardless of whether your house
has been substantially damaged or is being substantially improved, you should
consider incorporating at least 1 foot of freeboard into your FPE ( as shown in Figure
3.1).Elevating a house up to 3 or 4 feet above the existing ground level usually will
not have a great effect on its appearance and will require only minimal landscaping
and regarding. If you plan to elevate more than4 feet above the existing grade, you
should consider elevating your house a full story, so that you can use the space below
the elevated house for parking, storage, orbuilding access .

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Fig: 3.1As shown in the cutaway view, the lowest floor is above the flood level. When
at least 1 foot of freeboard is provided, only the foundation is exposed to flooding.

3.2 EXISTING FOUNDATION

In general, the most economical approach to elevating a house is to use as

much of the existing foundation as possible. Although some elevation methods do not
allow this approach, most do. If you choose one of the latter, a design professional
must evaluate the ability of your existing foundation to support the loads that will be
imposed by the elevated house and, the loads expected to result from flooding and
other hazards at the site. If changes must be made to the foundation to increase its
strength and stability, they can be made as part of your retrofitting project, but they
can increase both the cost of the project and the time required to complete it. The type
of foundation on which your house was originally built (basement, crawlspace, slab-
on-grade, piers, posts, pilings) also can affect the elevation process.

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3.3 HAZARDS

Because so many elevation techniques are available, elevation is practical for

almost any flood situation, but the flooding conditions and other hazards at the house
site must be examined so that the most suitable technique can be determined.
Regardless of the elevation technique used, the foundation of the elevated house must
be able to withstand, at a minimum, the expected loads from hydrostatic pressure,
hydrodynamic pressure, and debris impact. It must also be able to resist undermining
by any expected erosion and scour. If you are elevating a house in an area subject to
high winds, earthquakes, or other hazards, a design professional should determine
whether the elevated house, including its foundation, will be able to withstand all of
the horizontal and vertical forces expected to act on it. In making this determination,
the design professional must consider a number of factors, including the structure and
condition of the house, the soil conditions at the site, the proposed elevation
technique, and the hazards at the site. The conclusion may be that additional
modifications must be made during the retrofitting project.

3.4 ACCESS

Elevating a house usually requires that new means of access be provided. For
example, if your entry doors were originally at ground level, new staircases, elevators,
or ramps will have to be built. When an attached garage is elevated, providing access
for vehicles may require changes to portions of your lot, such as building a new,
elevated driveway on earth fill that ties into high ground elsewhere. This solution can
be practical when the amount of elevation required is no more than 2 or 3 feet. As
noted earlier, when the amount of elevation reaches 4 or more feet, you should
consider elevating your house a full story so that you can use the lower level for
parking and avoid the need for an elevated driveway.

3.5 HOUSE SIZE, DESIGN AND SHAPE

In general, the larger the house and the more complex its design and shape, the
more difficult it will be to lift on jacks. Multi-storey houses are more difficult to
stabilize during the lifting process, and as the dimensions and weight of a house
increase, so do the required numbers of jacks and other pieces of lifting equipment.

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Exterior wall coverings such as stucco and brick veneer complicate the lifting process
because they must either be removed or braced so that they will stay in place when the
house is lifted. Houses with simple-square or rectangular shapes are easier to lift than
those with attached garages, porches, wings, or additions, which often must be
detached and lifted separately, especially if they are built on separate foundations.
Before a house is lifted, a design professional should inspect it to verify its structural
soundness. All the structural members and their connections must be able to withstand
the stresses imposed by the lifting process.

3.6 SERVICE EQUIPMENT

Before your house is elevated, all utility lines (water, sewer, gas, electric,
telephone, etc.) must be disconnected. At the end of the project, the lines will be
reconnected and any landscaping that may be necessary will be completed. If you
elevate your house on an open foundation, utility lines that enter the house from
below may be exposed to damage from flooding and below-freezing temperatures.
Protecting utility lines in these situations usually involves anchoring them securely to
vertical foundation members and, if necessary, insulating them. All service equipment
outside the house, such as air conditioning and heat pump compressors and gas and
electric meters, must be elevated to or above the FPE. In houses with basements, any
service equipment originally installed in the basement will have to be raised above the
FPE, which may require relocation to an upper floor.

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4. THE LIFTING TECHNIQUES

The elevation techniques and their application to different types of houses are
explained in the following sections.

4.1 ELEVATING ON EXTENDED FOUNDATION WALLS

Frame, masonry veneer, and masonry houses can all be elevated on extended
foundation walls. As discussed in the following sections, the technique used for
houses on basement and crawlspace foundations differs from that used for houses on
slab-on-grade foundations.

4.1.1 Houses on Basement Foundations and Crawlspace Foundations

The elevation process is the same for frame, masonry veneer, and masonry
houses on basement and crawlspace foundations. Figures 4.1.1.1 through 4.1.1.4
illustrate the process. First, holes are made at intervals in the foundation wall so that a
series of steel I-beams can be installed at critical points under the floor framing (see
Fig: 4.1.1.1). If the foundation walls are made of concrete blocks, the lifting
contractor can remove individual blocks to create the required holes. If the walls are
made of poured concrete, the holes will be cut out. The I-beams are placed so that
they run perpendicular to the floor joists. A second set of beams is then placed below
and perpendicular to the first set (see Fig: 4.1.1.1). The two sets of beams extend the
width and length of the house and form a cradle that supports the house as it is being
raised. In Fig: 4.1.1.1, the foundation walls are shown as extending far enough above
the ground surface to provide easy access to the area below the floor framing. In some
houses, however, the foundation walls will not be this high. To lift such a house, the
contractor must first dig trenches at intervals around the foundation. The I-beams are
then lowered into the trenches and inserted below the floor framing. The contractor
may also have to dig holes for the lifting jacks, as shown in the figure. The number of
jacks needed will depend on the size, shape, and type of house being lifted. Once the
beams and jacks are in place, the elevation process begins. The jacks will extend only
so high; so at intervals during the process, the house and jacks are supported
temporarily on cribbing while the jacks are raised (see Fig: 4.1.1.2). After the house is

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elevated high enough, it is again supported on cribbing while the foundation walls are
extended to the desired height with concrete blocks or poured concrete (see Figure 5-
4c). The house is then lowered onto the extended foundation walls, the I-beams are
removed, and the holes where the beams passed through are filled. An important part
of the project is installing openings in the foundation walls, no higher than 1 foot
above the ground, so that flood waters can enter and equalize the internal and external
hydrostatic pressures. As shown in Fig: 4.1.1.3, the contractor can create these
openings by only partially filling the I-beam holes.

Fig: 4.1.1.1 Lifting Process In Houses On Basement Foundations And Crawlspace

Foundations

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Fi
g: 4.1.1.2 Lifting of house by hydraulic jack

Fig: 4.1.1.3Foundation walls are extended and openings for flood

waters are created

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Fig 4.1.1.4 The finished project

4.1.2 Houses on Slab-On-Grade Foundations

Frame, masonry veneer, and masonry houses on slab-on-grade foundations are

also lifted with hydraulic jacks and a network of steel I-beams. However, design and
construction differences between slab-on-grade houses and those on other types of
foundations present special difficulties and require a different lifting technique. The
floor of a house on a slab-on-grade foundation, is formed by the slab rather than the
wood joist and beam framing found in houses on crawlspace and basement
foundations. The slab is usually 4 to 6 inches thick and is often reinforced with wire
mesh. As shown in the cross section view in Fig: 4.1.2.1, the slab can be supported by
foundation walls and footings or by a thickened edge created when the slab is poured.

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Fig: 4.1.2.1 Slab foundation types.

Because the slab forms the floor of the house, and occasionally the foundation
as well, elevating the house is easier if the house and slab are lifted together. But this
technique is more difficult than that used for houses on basement and crawlspace
foundations and should be performed only by a highly skilled contractor with
extensive experience in lifting slab-on-grade houses. The wire mesh in the slab is
intended to prevent shrinkage cracking during the original construction of the slab; it
is not iSSntended to provide structural strength. As a result, the contractor must take
extreme care during the lifting process to avoid breaking the slab and compromising
the structural integrity of the house.

4.1.2.1 Elevating a slab-on grade house with the slab.

The elevation process (see Fig: 4.1.2.1.1throughFig: 4.1.2.1.4) is similar to

that used for houses on basement and crawlspace foundations, except that the I-beams
must be placed below the slab, which is at ground level. So, the contractor must dig
trenches at intervals around the foundation, and tunnel under the slab. The I-beams
are lowered into the trenches and moved into place beneath the slab through the
tunnels (see Fig: 4.1.2.1.1). The contractor must also dig holes for the lifting jacks

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because they have to be placed below the beams. Once the beams and jacks are in
place, the lifting process begins. As shown in Fig: 4.1.2.1.2 and Fig: 4.1.2.1.3, the
house is lifted and a new foundation is constructed below it.

Fig: 4.1.2.1.1The I-beams are lowered into the trenches and moved into place
beneath the slab through the tunnels

Fig: 4.1.2.1.2Lifting of house and slab by hydraulic jack

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Fig: 4.1.2.1.3Foundation walls are extended and opening for flood waters are created

Fig: 4.1.2.1.4The finished project

4.1.2.2 Elevating a slab-on grade house without the slab.

If the slab was originally supported by foundation walls and footings (Fig: 4.1.2.1),
the contractor may be able to leave them in place and extend the existing walls
upward. This approach will be possible only when a design professional determines
that the original foundation walls and footings are strong enough to support the
elevated house and slab under the expected flood, wind, earthquake, and other loads.

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If the slab was originally supported by its own thickened edge (shown in the lower
illustration in Fig: 4.1.2.1), a completely new foundation must be constructed.

In both situations, the contractor must construct not only foundation walls under the
perimeter of the slab but also additional vertical foundation members, such as piers, at
several locations under the slab. These additional foundation members are necessary
because slabs are designed to rest directly on the ground, not to support the weight of
the house. A less frequently used technique for elevating slab-on-grade houses is to
separate the house from the slab, lift the house, and leave the slab on the ground.
Because the slab is not lifted, the I-beams are inserted through openings cut into the
walls of the house above the slab rather than below it. To enable the beams to lift the
house, the contractor attaches horizontal wood bracing to the interior and exterior
walls at the tops of the openings (see Fig: 4.1.2.2.1).

Fig: 4.1.2.2.1 Elevating a slab-on grade house without the slab.

When the beams are jacked up, they push against the bracing, which distributes the
lifting force equally across the walls. The bracing also supports the walls, which lack
the structural stability that would otherwise be provided when the walls and floor are
left attached. Without bracing, the walls could twist, bend, or collapse when the house
is lifted. If a design professional determines that the original slab is strong enough to
support the elevated house under the expected flood, wind, earthquake, and other

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loads, the slab may be left in place and the new foundation walls built on top.
Otherwise, the slab must be cut back and a completely new foundation constructed, as
shown in Fig: 4.1.2.2.2.

When the slab is not lifted with the house, a new, elevated floor must be constructed.
The new floor can be a wood-framed floor like that typically found in a house on a
basement or crawlspace foundation, or it can be a new, elevated concrete slab.
Building a new slab floor involves placing fill dirt on top of the old slab and pouring a
new slab on top of the fill. Although the old slab is left in place, it is usually broken
up so that it will not be forced up by the buoyant effect of flood waters or saturated
soil.

Fig: 4.1.2.2.2 Building a new foundation for a slab on- grade house

The primary advantage of lifting the house without the slab is that the house is lighter
and therefore easier to lift. This benefit applies mainly to frame and masonry veneer
houses. This method has several disadvantages, however:

• Cutting holes in the interior and exterior walls of the house and attaching wood
bracing causes extensive damage that must be repaired before the elevated house
is habitable.

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• Because of the damage to the habitable parts of the house, alternative housing
may be needed for an extended period.

• The contents of the house must be removed before the elevation process can
begin.

• Masonry veneer is likely to interfere with the installation of exterior wall bracing
and to crack or break off if left in place during elevation.

Because of these disadvantages, lifting a slab-on-grade house without the slab is

normally done only when the house has been severely damaged by a flood or other
event and would require extensive repairs regardless of the elevation method used.

4.2 ELEVATING ON AN OPEN FOUNDATION

Frame, masonry veneer, and masonry houses on basement, crawlspace, and slab-on
grade foundations can also be elevated on open foundations consisting of piers or
columns, or pilings. Houses originally constructed on open foundations can also be
elevated this way.

Fig: 4.2.1through Fig: 4.2.4 show how a house on a basement or crawlspace

foundation can be elevated on masonry piers. The lifting process is the same as that
shown in Fig: 4.1.1 for elevating on extended foundation walls. Once the house is
lifted high enough, new masonry piers are built on the existing foundation, if it is
adequate. If the existing foundation is not adequate to support the elevated house, it
will have to be either modified or removed and replaced by separate footings for the
individual piers.

An existing basement would have to be filled in with dirt and graded. An old
basement slab would usually be left in place and covered with fill dirt. But the slab
would be broken up so that it would not be forced up by the buoyancy effect of flood
waters. The house in Figure Fig: 4.2.4, has been elevated approximately one full
story, and a new concrete slab has been poured at ground level below it. The open
area below the house can be used for parking, storage, and access. Piers can be
constructed of cast-in-place concrete as well as masonry block. However, regardless
of the construction materials used, piers are designed primarily for vertical loading

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imposed by the weight of the house, including its contents and any exterior loads such
as those imposed by snow. Because the forces associated with flooding, wind, and
earthquakes can impose horizontal loads, piers used in retrofitting must be adequately
reinforced with steel bars. The connections between the piers and the original
foundation and elevated house also must be able to resist the expected horizontal and
vertical loads on the house.

Fig:4.2.1Installation of steel I-beams below floor joints

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Fig: 4.2.2Lifting of house by hydraulic jack

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Fig 4.2.3Construction of new masonry piers

Fig 4.2.4 The finished project

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7. CONCLUSION

Home elevation, simply means, raising the lowest floor beyond the flood protection
elevation (FPE) -a level at which your chances of flooding are either considerably
minimized or totally eliminated. The FPE will mean an extra foot of elevation to
safeguard your house from the uncertainties of future floods. When a house has been
elevated to FPE, it still may be subject to inundation but then only during
extraordinary floods. To those who may be less familiar with the process of house
elevation, it is good to know that when a house is elevated, it is separated from its
foundation by hydraulic jacks and is held up with temporary supports till a new or
extended foundation is constructed beneath. As regards the choice of the new
foundation, it can be extended walls or independent piers, posts, columns or pilings.

There are quite a few advantages in elevating a house. The elevation will mean
complying with your community's floodplain management plan. It will substantially
reduce the flood risk to the house and its contents. There will be no need to shift
vulnerable contents above the water level whenever flood occurs. Can meaningfully
reduce flood insurance premiums. . But quality matters a lot here and it is necessary to
make up with the right progress to make it done in the best way possible. Pre-study
examination and post-study examination are very important in this and it will give a
clear idea of what it is all about.

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REFERENCES

[ 1] Above the flood-Elevating your flood prone house by Federal Emergency

Management Agency

[ 2] Elevation Options for Non-Slab Houses by Centre for Hazards

Assessment, Response, and Technology(CHART) at The University of
New Orleans (UNO)

[ 3] Home owner’s guide to retrofitting-Elevating your house,Chapter-5

[ 4] Protecting Your Home And Property From Flood Damage -Mitigation

Ideas For Reducing Flood Loss by FEMA

[ 5] http:// rising building.pdf

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