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 of soil beneath a building’s foundation. Geotechnical
engineers control the excavation, which is known as ‘pins’. Before starting any excavation, the
engineer first determines the appropriate depth for the excavation. To make a new foundation
beneath the foundation, new material (usually concrete), must be placed. This is repeated for
each section of the foundation until the wall is completely underpinned.
For existing structures, it is often necessary to underpin. Foundations that are not properly
supported can eventually fail, resulting in severe damage. Buildings with different uses or to
increase the soil’s bearing ability will often require underpinning. If you notice any signs of
distress in your building, you should seek professional help to determine if it requires
underpinning. If underpinning is necessary, you need to choose the right method for your
building.
Method of Underpinning
Pile raft underpinning is another method of underpinning. This method is best when the soil is
clayey or hard. Piles are attached to the ground by steel or concrete needles. These are used as
pile caps and can be used to solve most soil problems. This method can be expensive, however,
as it requires specialized equipment and technical expertise.
Subsidence is the most common reason to underpin a house. Other reasons include water level
fluctuations, extension, and extra storeys. Although underpinning can be costly and disruptive, it
serves the same purpose – to distribute weight to provide adequate support. Mass concrete
underpinning, which is the oldest method, requires excavation of sections below the foundation
and pouring concrete into the excavations. Although it is time-consuming and disruptive, it can
often be effective when the foundation has a shallow foundation.
There are two main types of underpinning: central needle beams or cantilever needle beams.
Cantilever needle beads can be used if there is a strong interior column with a long wall. If the
foundation is deep enough, underpinning can be done without the use of a needle beam. The
needle beam will be taken out if the foundation is strong enough. It is possible to replace the
needle beam later, if it gains strength.
Underpinning is the process of laying new foundations beneath an existing foundation. It is a
great technique to strengthen the foundation, and increase the foundation’s bearing capacity.
Underpinning can also be used to build a basement under your existing structure. Underpinning
not only strengthens the foundation but also prevents waterlogging which can cause a number of
problems. This is especially important in the event of earthquakes.
There are many underpinning methods. There are three main types of underpinning: sleeve-
piers, push jacks, and helical piers. These methods are the most efficient for gradual soils, and they are also the most economical. There are also other methods. JES Foundation Repair provides foundation repair and foundation assessment free of charge. JES Foundation Repair is available to answer your questions about underpinning.
Although the process of underpinning can be done easily, it is crucial to hire a skilled contractor.
A reliable underpinning contractor will know how to handle difficult site conditions and perform
safe house jacking procedures. The engineer will inspect excavation to make sure it is properly
excavated, and that the footings are correctly placed. The contractor will return several days
later to complete stabilisation after the underpinning process is completed.