Load capacities are, in our opinion, the foundation for a successful underpinning discover more here. The backbone is what keeps the support system strong and performs well when under pressure. Preserving the spine of a book is similar to preserving a building’s story.
Imagine yourself lifting weights in the gym. You wouldn’t begin with the heaviest dumbbell would you? Knowing your capacity and strength is the first step. This is how we approach foundations. Before reinforcing the foundation, we determine how much additional weight it can support. To make a building strong and confident, balance what is already there with what will be included.
In order to determine the load capacity, it is necessary to balance architectural characteristics with future improvements. This tango is heavily dependent on soil. The quality of the soil affects how construction is done, much like canvas affects an artists strokes. It is important to determine whether the soil is sand or clay. Sand expands and contract like an accordion, and moves like a cat when it’s in the sun.
Our projects are not known for their geotechnical engineers. They analyze soil samples to calculate the load-bearing value, which determines how much weight soil can bear before it compresses and becomes unstable. These calculations are not just numbers on a sheet of paper, they guide the entire process. They are the secret ingredients of a chef’s recipe. They are essential to a successful dish or construction.
We can choose the best foundation method based on this information. To increase the load capacity, we may use deep underpinnings, such as mass concrete underpinnings, by digging deeper to achieve more stable soil. It’s like wearing sturdy hiking boots to get the most stable footing on steep, rocky terrain.
We may use mini-piled underpinning if the soil is good and the load increases are moderate. This involves driving steel piles into the ground. These piles are similar to acupuncture needles in that they penetrate the soil minimally, but transfer loads from weaker soils.