Hello Jeffrey,
As per your explanation, the existing structure is a single corbelled brick pier- strengthening this with a jacket or incorporating a series of corbelled brick piers might not be feasible or structurally good.
In this case, we suggest you get an opinion from the local structural engineer as many factors/parameters need to be analyzed before taking any decision.
We can help you more if you provide us with more details such as existing structure pictures, soil strength, and other information.
Question
1) Can I excavate around the sides of an old single corbelled brick pier and simply jacket it with concrete? 2) Can I incorporate a series of corbelled brick piers (10"w x 20"L x 12" depth at bottom) into a new continuous footing (30"w x 10' L x 12" depth)? In other words can i excavate and form a continuous footing of those dimensions without removing the existing footings and piers?
1) Can I excavate around the sides of an old single corbelled brick pier and simply jacket it with concrete? 2) Can I incorporate a series of corbelled brick piers (10"w x 20"L x 12" depth at bottom) into a new continuous footing (30"w x 10' L x 12" depth)? In other words can i excavate and form a continuous footing of those dimensions without removing the existing footings and piers?
Where am I?
In TheConstructor you can ask and answer questions and share your experience with others!