Building regulations will apply if you have to reinforce the entire foundation of a building or just a part. This is a ‘construction work’ as defined by the regulations. The Rectify Underpinning Melbourne must stabilize the movement of your building.
Sewers and drains located near your worksite will require special attention.
The method of underpinning involves increasing the depth of a foundation. In phases, the soil under an existing foundation is removed and replaced by foundation material (normally concrete).
The design, safety measures and methodology of underpinning must be carefully considered. This type of work can be dangerous if not done correctly. It could cause damage or even collapse to the home.
Underpinnings are usually:
The foundations have moved due to poor soil conditions or soil changes
The existing foundations are not deep enough to support the new building.
Planning and execution of underpinnings requires great care. Underpinning an existing foundation will require approval according to the building codes. To gain such approval, you will need to prepare a detailed structural plan of the foundation underpinning. This includes the construction process. Before the actual work begins, a test hole will be dug near the footings to allow a structural surveyor or engineer to assess the situation.
Inspections, methods and procedures
Underpinning methods will vary depending on several factors. Underpinning excavations should follow the engineer’s specifications and instructions to avoid damaging the foundations.
This type of work can be dangerous if not done correctly. It could cause damage or even collapse to the home. It is recommended that you hire experienced individuals to complete the project. This includes both the construction and design phases (for instance, a structural engineer and designer with extensive experience).
Short sections of foundation underpinning are typically carried out at one time. It may be possible to carry out more than one underpinning section at the same time, provided they are sufficiently far apart.
Before the excavation is filled with concrete, a surveyor and an engineer will inspect it. The concrete filling of an excavation will not ensure that underpinnings will be able to support the foundation because there is a possibility that some voids will still remain. In order to provide support, it’s usually best to ram a cement & sand packing into the gap. The engineer or building control surveyor can also inspect this.
A structural engineer should design the timing and specification for each phase.