My house dates from the 50s. The foundation posts are just resting on the concrete piers. How do I attach the posts to the piers? Is there a solution that does not involve taking the posts off to drill into the piers? The house is build on a slope. The crawlspace height ranges from 2′ to 8′. I live in earthquake prone California.
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How big
and how deep are the piers? It may not really add much to attach the posts if the piers are small.
What you probably need is a concrete perimeter foundation. You may be able to leave all of the existing structure and simply add the new, along with wood framing to connect the house.
Talk to the folks at Simpson, that's ALL they do is figure that stuff out.
Get an Engineer
Hire an Engineer.
The work will most probably require permitting.
I doubt that the Building Department of who ever issues the permits, will let you have one for a seismic retrofit, with out having a design sealed by a Professional Engineer.
Pier and post seismic retrofit
Thanks all.
Based on the answers so far it looks like I will need some professional help.
I think that can be said of everyone here.