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Ram Jack SoCal Installs (23) Helical Piles to Lift & Stabilize a Pickleball Court in Beverly Hills, CA
Problem
Ram Jack SoCal was called to evaluate settlement at a newly constructed hillside pickleball court in Beverly Hills, California. The property overlooks a canyon, and the flatwork surrounding the court had recently undergone demolition and reconstruction to accommodate the new recreational space.
During the initial construction, additional caisson support was installed directly beneath the pickleball court. However, the surrounding flatwork areas did not receive the same level of support. As a result, those sections began to settle, creating uneven surfaces and a potential safety hazard for users.
The excavation work also affected the adjacent stairwell leading down to the court, causing it to shift and settle to one side. The original contractor proposed demolishing the new concrete and installing additional caissons. After already enduring a disruptive construction process, the homeowner was not willing to repeat the demolition and re-pour.
The homeowner had one request: do not damage the pickleball court.
Proposed Solution
Working alongside Fortified Engineering, Ram Jack designed a repair plan, which called for the installation of 23 helical piles to support the existing concrete slab and stair structure without requiring demolition of the newly installed pickleball court. Each pile was advanced to an average depth of approximately 23 feet and loaded to 20 kips to achieve suitable bearing capacity.
Because the slab was recently poured, careful investigation was required prior to installation. The homeowner provided documentation and photographs of the previous work, and Ram Jack retained GPRS to scan and mark the slab to identify a subsurface drain system and avoid conflicts during installation.
Accessing the slab required core drilling twenty-three 10-inch diameter holes. Concrete thickness varied significantly across the site, ranging from approximately 6 inches to more than 12 inches, and in some areas, excess overpour had to be chipped away before installation could proceed. Despite these inconsistencies, the team executed the installation plan with precision and care to protect the court surface.
Outcome
The project presented unique challenges, but the installation was completed successfully without causing additional damage to the pickleball court.
In the areas experiencing the greatest settlement, Ram Jack achieved full recovery, addressing the homeowner’s primary concern. In surrounding areas with lesser displacement, the slab was adjusted to maximum practical recovery, improving uniformity and safety across the entire space.
All 23 helical piles were installed and bracketed as designed, restoring support to the flatwork and stairwell. The homeowner planned to apply a skim coat to refresh the surface and flush the repaired areas, resulting in a clean, finished appearance.
The end result was a structurally supported recreational space overlooking the canyon, completed without demolition, without additional disruption, and with a satisfied client.
Project Specifications
Location: Beverly Hills, CA
Type: Residential – Slab Support (Decks & Flatwork)
Products Installed: 23 Helical Piles (Exterior Product #4061.78, 6140, 8605)
Average Depth: 23 feet
Load: 20 kips
Adjustment: Up to 2 inches – Maximum Practical Recovery
Fall 2025
