3 Concrete Foundation Underpinning Methods
Before we discuss the various concrete foundation Underpinning methods, first, let me explain what foundation underpinning is. Concrete foundation underpinning is a method used to reinforce a concrete foundation that is not strong enough to support the building erected on it.
One of the main reasons underpinning is necessary is because the usage of the building has changed over time. In many cases, a second level of the building has been added. The exerting extra tonnage on the foundation was never intended to handle that amount of weight. Then of course, other factors are primarily due to soil erosion. The soil was not adequately researched before the original building was erected.
Soil sampling and engineering reports are more prevalent now than they were in the past in the hope of preventing foundation failure in the future.
Underpinning to Reinforce Foundations
In many instances, especially here on Long Island, one-story ranch-type homes were built on concrete slab with a concrete footing. Years later, the homeowners added a second story to their homes, not considering the enormous amount of new weight that would be put on the foundation.
Faced with the unique problem of failing foundations, concrete engineering companies began recommending foundation underpinning to reinforce and strengthen the existing foundation. The underpinning foundation is performed by a licensed and insured concrete contracting company specializing in foundation repair and construction.
Concrete Foundation Underpinning to Repair Faulty Foundations
Concrete Foundation Underpinning is accomplished by extending the building’s foundation horizontally and vertically. The amount of reinforced concrete in the direction in which the foundation is developed will be determined by the structural engineer who has diagnosed the solution to the problem.
To underpin the concrete foundation walls properly, the engineering company will provide the concrete construction company with plans that must be followed to ensure the stability and strength of the foundation.
How to underpin a foundation
Foundation underpinning is used in construction to reinforce and strengthen an existing foundation. Underpinning a foundation is performed by a licensed and insured concrete construction company that specializes in foundation building and repair.
Underpinning is accomplished by extending buildings foundation both horizontally and vertically. The amount of reinforced concrete and the direction in which the foundation is extended will be determined by a structural engineer who has diagnosed the problem.
The engineering company will provide the concrete construction company with plans that must be followed to ensure the stability and strength of the foundation. Concrete underpinning will reinforce and strengthen an existing buildings foundation.
Underpinning the Foundation Footing
Three Underpinning Foundation Methods.
- Although there are several different types of underpinning procedures. Of the three underpinning foundation methods most used. The most common is known as mass concrete underpinning. This involves carefully excavating beneath the existing foundation in alternating sections to avoid further deterioration of the foundation. The excavated area is then filled with concrete.
More underpinning foundation methods - Another underpinning foundation method is the use of screw pilings also known as helical piles. They are screwed beneath the building’s foundation and installed in various steps until stable soil is reached. These heavy galvanized steel screw pilings are then attached to the foundation.
Helical piles have many advantages over traditional pilings using the proper equipment they can quickly be installed with the minimal vibration and noise. They are screwed deep into the ground and attached to the foundation with large galvanized brackets - The third underpinning foundation method is known as beam and base underpinning. This is accomplished by installing a large reinforced concrete beam under the existing concrete pilings to transfer the load of the building.
Helical Pile Underpinning Foundation Method
Helical Pile Foundation Underpinning Method
Helical Piles are screwed into the ground until they reach load bearing soil that is stable enough to support the load of the structure that is being underpinned.
Large galvanized steel foundation Brackets are then bolted to the existing Foundation, preventing any further movement. Helical piles are the best cost saving alternative solution to repair broken or sinking foundations that require stabilization.
This video will give you a better understanding of the installation of helical piles.
The Helical Pile Foundation Underpinning Method
The Helical Pile Foundation Underpinning Method Used by Helical Piles of New York
Helical Pile Foundation Underpinning Method uses screw pilings, also known as helical piles. They are screwed into the soil beneath the building’s foundation and are installed at various depths until stable soil is reached.
These galvanized steel screw pilings are then attached to the foundation. Helical piles have many advantages over traditional wooden pilings. Using the proper equipment, they can quickly be installed with minimal vibration and noise.
Here is a clear-cut view of helical piles with foundation underpinning brackets. This unique view of helical piles simulates what underpinning with helical piles looks like.
