4 Different Types of Underpinning & How They Work
Discover the key underpinning methods that strengthen foundations, including their processes and benefits, to ensure your building’s longevity and safety.
Safety and stability are hallmarks of sound construction, especially regarding our home and business foundations. Underpinning is a pivotal method in the construction industry used to strengthen and secure the base of a structure against potential weaknesses or subsidence. Understanding underpinning can be crucial for homeowners and builders to explore options to secure and strengthen a structure’s foundation. Keep reading to explore four different types of underpinning and how they work.
Mass Concrete Underpinning
Mass concrete underpinning is one of the oldest and most traditional methods and is ideal for supporting existing foundations. This underpinning method requires excavation beneath the foundation, where contractors will pour concrete to form footings. Doing so creates a new, deeper foundation beneath the original footing. The technique redistributes the building’s weight to more stable soil layers.
This method is ideal for shallow-depth foundations and minor ground movements and provides excellent bearing capacity. Mass concrete underpinning requires careful planning and execution, with close attention to the concrete curing process to avoid structural issues.
Mini-Piled Underpinning
Mini-piled underpinning is a modern technique that uses small-diameter piles that drill deep into the soil. A contractor then fills the pin piles with concrete and reinforces them with steel to ensure optimal strength. It’s a versatile method suitable for a wide range of soil types and works in confined spaces due to its relatively minimal equipment requirements. Unlike mass concrete underpinning, mini-piles feature a more efficient installation process and can bear immediate loads.
Beam and Base Underpinning
Beam-and-base underpinning is ideal when underpinning the entire foundation isn’t necessary. This method uses a reinforced concrete beam constructed beneath, above, or in place of the existing footing. An advantage of this technique is that it causes minimal disruption to interior spaces due to its minimal excavation requirements. Professionals can complete beam-and-base underpinning in smaller sections, which can be most cost-effective for homeowners with specific foundational issues.
Screw Pile Underpinning
Screw pile underpinning is a relatively new method where contractors twist load-bearing helical metal screws into the ground to reach a stable foundation. Applied brackets assist the piles in carrying the building’s load.
This technique is non-intrusive, requires no excavation, and is faster to install compared to other methods. Helical pier underpinning is suitable for unstable grounds, including heavy clay, and where vibration damage can be a threat.
Underpinning is a crucial construction trade technique to maintain your property’s safety and value. Homeowners and builders can make informed decisions that ensure the strong and durable foundations of their structures by understanding the different types of underpinning and how they function. Browse our services at Helical Pier Distributions today if you’d like to learn more about foundation-strengthening techniques. We provide helical pier and underpinning foundation services for homeowners and those looking for foundation support. We can grant the peace of mind of a strong and stable foundation.