Primary Steps in Carrying Out Underpinning Services

March 7, 2023

One part of buildings that should always be present during their construction is the foundation. The foundation is essential as it helps stabilise its structure from the ground by distributing its weight over a large area. This part of properties also prevents differential settlement of properties, making sure that their structures do not crack.

Typically, the foundation of a building is constructed with durable and reliable materials. As long as it is planned optimally, a foundation tends to last for decades without any issues.

However, underground situations may still lead to the movement or subsidence of the foundation. And the only process that can resolve these issues is underpinning.

The Working Principles of Underpinning

Underpinning is a construction process wherein the foundation of a building is strengthened by adding additional concrete or steel footings. These footings are often added beside and under a structure to ensure its stability for the rest of its lifespan. The key purpose of carrying out this process is to stabilise, strengthen, or lift the existing footings of a property.

This construction process is necessary whenever existing property footings have dropped or subsided. These potential problems are often caused by the construction of footings on loose or soft soil and failure to install footings deep enough on the ground. 

The process of underpinning involves the excavation of new bored pier footings beside a property. The underpins may likewise be needed inside the property and should be deep enough into the soil to support a building’s weight. Once the footings have been placed into the ground, they should be subsequently joined to the existing property. They are then reinforced with steel reinforcement bars before filling them with concrete.

Main Steps of the Underpinning Process

There are numerous steps involved in underpinning building foundations.

Step 1: Carry out assessments. 

When carrying out underpinning, the first thing that must be done is to carry out vital assessments. The structural engineer who will be tasked to do the assessments should have experience in assessing the damage and is registered to practice in specific areas. They should also have local knowledge and are open to communication. The assessments the structural engineer must carry out must cover inspection of the damage around and outside the property, determining which areas are moving, and arranging an independent soil test.

Step 2: Test the soil’s depth and moisture.

A soil test must then be carried out to check the existing conditions of the soil on site. This test intends to check how the location and depth of firm soil. Checking the depth of the said soil can help contractors know where to place the underpins later. Aside from soil location, this test may also involve recording the soil moisture levels.

Step 3: Plan the best engineering design.

Upon knowing the soil conditions, the structural engineer should plan the best design for underpinning. This design plan would involve the best location, depth, and spacing of the underpins to make them functional and vital for the property. 

Step 4: Construct the underpins.

The last step involves hiring an underpinning contractor and letting them carry out the underpinning project. If you will be hiring one, you must ensure that they are experienced, skilled, and reputable. They should likewise offer their underpinning services at good rates.

If you need help with this kind of project, you can contact us at Helcon.

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