Method and apparatus for leveling concrete pads and similar heavy structures

摘要

A portable apparatus adapted to be moved to the edge of a concrete pad that needs to be restored to a horizontal condition. The apparatus includes a generally upright frame and a lifting platform that is attachable to the bottom of the frame (with bolts or the like). The platform has a forwardly projecting shelf that is placed under an exposed edge of the pad. A pair of hydraulic cylinders are mounted on the frame for selectively pushing downward on a yoke. Reaction loads from the downward push on the yoke are accommodated by the concrete pad. A chuck is mounted on the yoke for the purpose of engaging a generally linear member that is pushed into the ground to create a deep "foundation" for lifting the concrete pad with respect to the surface. A preferred linear member for this purpose is one or more sections of heavy reinforcing rod of the type that is commonly used to reinforce large concrete structures. A preferred rod is a Number 10 rod having transverse blisters on its surface and a nominal diameter of 1.25 inches. One or more sections are driven vertically into the ground until they reach bedrock, or until the friction forces become so great that the rod is vertically stabilized. Continued pushing on the linear member will cause the concrete pad to be lifted. After the concrete pad has been restored to an elevation that is essentially horizontal, the shelf is rigidly and permanently connected to the linear member.