land ripping necessary.

[Hotzcatz]

Usually pier blocks are just set on a level bit of ground, you don't want to attach them solidly to the earth unless you are on a slope or have some other considerations. The pier blocks are strapped to the bottom of the posts, the posts are braced two, three or four ways to the bottom of the floor joists and if there is an earthquake the posts will stay in place under the house if they can move when the house moves. If you have them attached firmly to the ground and the ground shakes, then they may break off the posts and stay put when your house dances.