Whatever you are going to build, the ground on which the structure will stand must be solid. Failure to recognise the need for underpinning or piling might result in the collapse of the building, and for this reason, great importance is put on ground preparation when building. The solid foundations of a building guarantee its future, and with a high degree of durability, the structure is strong enough to weather anything the elements can muster up.
Modern Solutions
Underpinning structures and piling techniques have changed throughout the years but have always been important, as the structural integrity demands a solid base on which to stand. There are specialised companies who provide underpinning and piling services to the commercial and residential sectors, and they offer a comprehensive service which includes ground preparation and government approval. On the other hand, if you only require the actual support work, this can be arranged, and with most of the UK covered, they will have a team at your site on the appointed date.
Unstable Land
Piling is typically used when a structure sits on marshy land or a sedimentary basin, and is an artificial method to support a structure. Multi-storey buildings require piling and the depth would depend on the height of the structure. Certain calculations must be made in order to ascertain the correct piling, and this type of work is very specialised, with the structural engineers working to the building blueprints to provide adequate foundation support.
Hammered Piling
This involves hammering a hollow steel pipe into the ground, which is then filled with rebar and concrete, and this provides a solid base. While hammered piling is very effective, it is a noisy process, with a 10 ton weight constantly being dropped onto a large block, which drives the steel pipe into the ground. If the ground is soft, the process can be quite straightforward, but if there are layers of hard soil or gravel to penetrate, it can take a while, and in a built up area, hammered piling might cause noise pollution problems.
Drilled Piling
Boring a hole for the piling is another solution, using hydraulic pressure to bore the hole, and the pile itself is cast on site. This is the preferred method of piling as it causes no noise pollution and can penetrate harder ground. Whether you are building a small extension on your home, or a huge office block, the chances are that you will need the services of a company that can assess the foundations before construction goes ahead, and if extra support is required, an online search should put you in touch with a company that specialises in piling and underpinning services.
If you have ever wondered what might happen if the foundation is inadequate, there are many videos of collapsing structures online, and with the obvious risk to life and property, it makes total sense to ensure the foundations are more than adequate.
