Underpinning refers to the process of attaching a structure to the ground. Its application dates
back to 1452 when Italian Renaissance humanist Leon Battista Alberti published his book De Re
Aedificatoria. Underpinning has been used for strengthening skyscrapers and tunnels as well as
bridges and tunnels. The Hotel Commodore, designed and built by Homer G. Balcom over a
subway structure, is a notable example of underpinning. It was reopened by the Grand Hyatt in
2005.
Underpinning Melbourne involves the excavation …
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