As a civil engineer or construction professional, having a solid grasp of what is underpinning | uses of underpinning | methods of underpinning | precautionary measures can make a significant difference in your project outcomes. This detailed article covers all the key aspects that every site engineer and civil engineering student should be familiar with.
UNDERPINNING
Underpinning is the method of supporting structures while providing new foundations or strengthening the foundation or carrying out repairs and alterations without affecting the stability of the existing structures.
Dead-shores used for repairs
USES OF UNDERPINNING
(i) To strengthen the existing shallow foundation of a building when an adjoining building has to be constructed with a deep foundation.
(ii) To safeguard the existing structure from the danger of excessive or differential settlement.
(iii) To deepen and widen an existing foundation to increase the bearing capacity of the foundation soil.
(iv) To build a basement floor to an existing building.
(v) To lift a building fully or partly to alter the foundation so as to prevent waterlogging.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES BEFORE UNDERPINNING
(i) The existing strength of the building should be ascertained before resorting to underpinning (e.g., inferior material used or use of construction method which is not standard or poor workmanship).
(ii) Temporary support should be provided by adequate shoring and strutting wherever needed.
(iii) During underpinning of buildings, a watch on possible movements should be checked and rectified then and there.
(iv) No damage should be caused to the adjoining structures.
(v) It should be ensured that no obstruction is created to the passage of people or vehicles in the adjoining areas.
METHODS OF UNDERPINNING
Several methods are available for underpinning foundations but four routine methods which are used in general, are:
1. Pit Method
2. Pile Method
3. Pier Method
4. Chemical Method
1. Pit Method
(i) Excavation should be done one at a time preferably starting at the middle and progressing sideways.
(ii) Proper timbering is to be provided to the excavated trenches.
(iii) Instead of a central needle beam, a cantilever needle the beam may be adopted as shown in Fig. below.
(iv) After completion of the excavation, foundation concrete is laid.
(v) A suitable connection between the old foundation and a new foundation has to be made using vertical mild steel bars.
(vi) After the new foundation is completely set, then only the needle beams and raking shores are removed.
Support by cantilever needle
2. Pile Method
(i) Waterlogged area
(ii) Heavy loads on existing structures
(iii) Loads to be transferred to a deeper depth
In such situations, the pile method may be adopted.
In this method, the piles are driven along both sides of the existing wall. Then needles in the form of pile caps are provided through the existing wall as shown in Fig. below. Thus, the existing wall is relieved of the loads coming on it.
Underpinning by piles
This method is particularly useful in clayey soils and for waterlogged areas and for walls bearing heavy loads. In the case of light structures piles are driven along with the structure and then brackets or cantilever needles are provided.
In another approach, pre-cast piles are installed beneath the existing foundation using jacks and digging approach pits. The materials surrounding the pit is removed by water jets or airlifts and then filled with cement concrete.
3. Pier Method
This method is generally resorted to in the dry ground. This is a simple method of underpinning. It involves the installation of piers under foundations of structures through the approach pits. Filling the pits with concrete and finally wedging up to transfer the loads to the new piers, Fig. below.
Underpinning by pier
4. Chemical Method
In this method the foundation soil is consolidated by employing chemicals.
Perforated pipes are a driver in an inclined direction beneath the foundation, Fig. below. The slopes are provided such that the entire area under the existing footing corners under the area used to be strengthened.
Chemical method
After the pipes are installed, a solution of sodium silicate in water is injected through the pipes. This is a two-injection method. The pipes are withdrawn and at the time of withdrawal of pipes, calcium or magnesium chloride is injected through the pipes. A chemical reaction takes place between these two chemicals and the soil is strengthened by consolidation. This method is suitable for granular soils.
SOURCE: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES | P. PURUSHOTHAMA RAJ
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