Deep foundations are created in order to support the loads of larger buildings. Skyscrapers, dams and other behemoth structures are often considered to be architectural marvels, and for good reason too. The foundation of the building determines whether the building will be able to support its load in rough conditions. A deep foundation is a type of foundation that transfers the load of the building deeper into the earth as compared to ordinary foundations. The range of depth can vary depending on the size of the building. Needless to say, building the foundation requires a lot of work and careful calculations in order to ensure that the foundation is capable of supporting the weight.
One of the most integral components of a deep foundation is a pile. It is a vertical structural element that’s driven deep into the ground before construction begins, and is designed to support the weight of the building. This process is known as piling. Piling and underpinning are two of the most common processes that are used when laying down the foundation of any architectural structure. Whereas piling is required while laying down the foundation of a new building, underpinning is mainly carried out to reinforce the foundation of any existing building or structure.
What Is Underpinning?
Underpinning is required if the original foundation of a building is not deemed to be safe or stable anymore. One of the best ways of underpinning a foundation is to increase its depth or width, in order to increase the size of the soil stratum on which the building rests. Hiring an underpinning or piling contractor is essential for building owners or builders who are looking to start construction on a new project.
Factors to Consider
Now that you know what piling and underpinning are, you will need to consider several factors before hiring any contractor. Companies such as Below Ground have a robust reputation in the UK for being the best piling and underpinning contractors. You can visit their website at http://www.belowground.co.uk in order to learn more about the company and find out all of the services that it offers.
Types of Piling
There are many different types of piling that can be done. This mainly depends on the type of the building, and the size of the foundation. Screw piling is perhaps the most common type of piling that can be done. After the piling has been completed, most contractors generally carry out tough load bearing tests in order to ensure that the foundation is robust and smooth.
Reinforced ground beams and slabs might also be installed within the foundation in order to improve its robustness. When you hire any underpinning or piling contractor, they will check detailed blueprints in order to determine the amount of work to be done. Due to the specific nature of the process, most contractors use a variety of different construction and drilling machines in order to install the piles properly in the ground.