How to Specify Resistance Pier Systems: Concentric vs Eccentric in Commercial Projects

Choosing the right deep foundation support is one of the most important structural decisions in commercial construction. For engineers and architects, resistance pier system specification goes far beyond selecting hardware—it involves balancing technical performance with installation feasibility and long-term reliability. And when it comes to selecting between concentric and eccentric resistance pier systems, understanding how each performs under real-world demands is critical to specifying the right solution for your job site.

At Titan Products, we engineer resistance pier systems that meet the highest standards of performance, durability, and ease of installation—because we’ve been in your shoes. Here’s what to consider when evaluating concentric vs. eccentric piers for your next commercial project.

Load Requirements: How Much Weight Must Your Pier System Support?

Start with the numbers. Load capacity is a defining factor when choosing between concentric and eccentric pier systems.

• Concentric resistance piers like the Titan Concentric Resistance Push Pier are installed directly beneath the structure and can support up to 50,000 lbs per pier. This vertical alignment provides maximum axial load capacity and is ideal when direct, centered load transfer is essential. ‍
• Eccentric resistance piers such as our SP-90 and SP-110 series are offset slightly from the structure but engineered to handle heavy structural loads. The SP-90 offers 90 kips (180,000 lbs), while the SP-110 is built for even greater capacity, making them versatile for a wide range of foundation types and repair scenarios.

If your structure demands heavy-duty lifting or stabilization in a space-limited environment, knowing these specs up front is crucial.

Soil Conditions and Installation Constraints

Not all soils are created equal, and that’s where choosing the right pier becomes essential.

• In low-overhead or restricted-access sites, concentric piers are often preferred due to their direct-load path and compact installation profile.
• For looser or variable soils, eccentric piers may be the better fit. Their design allows for more flexible placement while still reaching competent load-bearing strata.

Our team can help assess your soil reports and geotechnical data to guide your resistance pier system specification with confidence.

Bracket Design: The Hidden Hero of Stability

A pier is only as good as its bracket. Titan brackets are engineered with installer efficiency and structural stability in mind:

• Concentric brackets provide direct, centered load transfer with minimal deflection.
• Eccentric brackets, though offset, are designed to distribute lateral loads evenly and resist twisting or rotation.

Each of our systems includes brackets designed to perform under load, minimize stress points, and simplify field installation without sacrificing strength.

Corrosion Protection and Long-Term Durability

Titan pier systems come standard with advanced coatings to stand up to the harshest environments:

• Galvanized coatings protect against soil moisture and chemical corrosion.
• Epoxy options are available for added resistance in aggressive environments or coastal projects.

Every Titan system is designed to last—not just for years, but for decades.

Alignment and Installation Tolerances

Tight job sites, variable soil, and design complexity all contribute to installation challenges. Titan’s resistance pier systems are built with realistic tolerances in mind. Our field-proven systems are:

• Engineered for quick, consistent installation
• Designed to maintain alignment with minimal adjustment
• Supported with comprehensive training and real-time technical assistance from our team

We know what matters in the field because we’ve worked there.

Specify with Confidence. Partner with Titan.

Whether you're designing for a new structure or stabilizing an existing one, Titan Products provides commercial-grade pier systems that simplify the specification process. Our ICC-ES certified concentric and eccentric resistance piers are engineered to perform, built to last, and backed by a team that supports your success from design through install.

Ready to specify a smarter foundation solution? Contact us today to talk with our engineering support team or request spec sheets tailored to your next commercial project.

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