Underpinning | Underpinning Methods and Purpose

What is underpinning?

Underpinning is a process of placing a new foundation under an existing one or strengthening an existing foundation.

What are the Purpose of Underpinning?

The underpinning is done to serve the following purposes.

To strengthen a shallow foundation when a building with deep foundation is to be constructed adjoining it.
To strengthen an existing foundation, which has suffered from cracks and settlements
To deepen an existing foundation.
To construct a basement under an existing building.

What the Underpinning Methods?

There are two underpinning Methods. They are:

Pit Method
Pile Method

Pit Method – In this method the length of the foundation to be underpinned is divided into sections of 1.2 to 1.5 m lengths as shown in Fig.1 below. For each section a hole is made on the wall above the plinth level and a needle is inserted in the hole. Bearing plates are placed above the needle to support the masonry above it. Needle is supported on either side of the wall on wooden supports and screw jacks. The foundation pit is excavated up to the desired level and new foundation is laid. In the round, the work is undertaken in alternate sections. Once the alternate sections are undertaken, the remaining sections are worked out. If the wall for which underpinning is to be carried out is weak, raking shores is provided to support them.

If an interior strong column exists, or if the foundation is to be extended only to one side, cantilever needle beams may be used in place of central needle beam as shown in Fig.2 below. A jack is placed between the column and wall.

Precautions to be taken in pit method – In pit method of underpinning, the following points are noteworthy.

Alternate sections are taken up in the round. Remaining sections should be taken next.
For long wall the work should be started from the middle and worked outwards.
If the foundation is deeper, proper timbering of the foundation trench may be done.
The needle beam should be removed only when the new foundation has gained strength.
It is desirable to do the new foundation work in concrete.
The needle should be closed in masonry using cement mortar.

Pile Method – In this method, piles are driven at regular interval along both sides of the wall. The piles are connected by concrete or steel needles, which penetrate through the walls. These beams also act as pile caps. This method is effective in clayey soil and in waterlogged areas. The existing foundation is very much relieved of the load. Fig 3 illustrates the pile method of underpinning.