UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

(CoET)
DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND RESOURCES ENGINEERING

Student name: Maagi, Lucas Junior

Registration number: 2019-04-05271
Course: SC 402 –Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Constructed
Facilities
Lecturer: Dr. Paul Holela

Assignment Title: Underpinning

 1. INTRODUCTION

Buildings that have been constructed after a certain period of time can experience continuance
settlement or settlement beyond the limit in the coming years if the function of the building is
changed and foundation loadings are increased, or environmental problems and natural events such
as earthquake or floods. Underpinning is done to improve the future foundation in carrying the
loadings of the existing building. Underpinning can be done by two main methods which are:
temporary and permanent methods. Temporary methods include ground freezing and ground water
control. The permanent methods include geometrical underpinning.

2. TEMPORARY UNDERPINNING METHODS

a. Ground freezing

A preliminary support foundation is released from their loads. Then, the foundation can be either
widened or deepened or both to decrease the pressure below them. Hence, the settlement will be
stopped or reduced.

b. Ground water control

Ground water level has a significant effect on the performance of the foundation in carrying the
loads of the existing building. Therefore, the control of the rise and fall of the water level can be
seen a short-term method that can be corrected by underpinning.

3. PERMANENT UNDERPINNING METHODS

a. Geometrical underpinning

The load is released from the existing footings by preliminary supports which include methods
such as jacking. In jacking, jacks are used for lifting up the columns to be underpinned.

b. Pile underpinning

Piles are used when a stiff layer of soil is present at a reasonable depth, or loads are heavy, or
normal conventional methods of underpinning are impossible or uneconomical. Different types of
piles can be used such as jacked piles and bored piles.
 c. Grout underpinning

Grout is a mixture of cement, water and sometimes admixtures such as anti-cracking agent. It is
injected in the soil to increase its strength, then the foundation is excavated for underpinning.

4. CONDITIONS FOR UNDERPINNING

• The original foundation is not strong or in stable condition.

• The properties of the soil supporting the foundation may have changed or were
mischaracterized during design.

• The construction of nearby structures necessitates the excavation of soil supporting

existing foundations.

• To increase the depth foundation or load capacity of existing foundations to support

the addition of another storey to the building.

• It is more economical, due to land price or otherwise, to work on the present structure's
foundation than to build a new one.

5. UNDERPINNING PROCEDURES

Underpinning procedure depends on the specific method of underpinning. This involve the
excavation of the ground trench around the whole structure to required parameters, the
means of installing the machines to the existing foundation, carrying out load test as
required, stabilizing or lifting up the structure as directed in the presence of the engineer,
inspection of the work after completion which can be done after one or two days and
backfilling, insulating, grading or landscape repair.

Advantages of underpinning

1. Improved Structural integrity: -

Your structure’s foundation may have been improperly constructed or been damaged by repairs,
extreme climate changes, or have simply wear and tear of age. One of the advantages of
underpinning is that it will make your foundation strong and it will make sure that the foundation
is protected from all sorts of calamities.
 2. Enhanced ceiling height and lighting: -

Underpinning will allow your structure to have better lighting fixtures. You add new rooms or new
offices to your structure and also add some more windows and doors that will allow the natural
light to fall in.

3. Updating plumbing, electrical fixtures and insulation: -

Underpinning your basement will allow you to access all the mechanics of your home like
plumbing works, insulation and wiring, therefore you can check if they require repairing.

4. Increased value to your property: -

One of the greatest advantages of underpinning is that it enhances the value of your property. If in
future you plan to sell your property then a proper structure with finished underpinning will have
a higher value and you can get a good return for your structure.

5. Bottom line: -

Underpinning is an excellent, less expensive and less disruptive way to increase space in the
structure. Buying a new property could be expensive if you want more space, therefore
underpinning can save you from that cost. Moreover, it will save your from the future expense of
extensive repairing.

Disadvantages of underpinning
1. There are large amounts of excavated material to be disposed of.
2. There are large amounts of concrete to be imported to construct the bases.
3. Excavations and bases are difficult to construct in unstable or water-logged ground.
4. Base depths in excess of 3.0 metres are generally uneconomic and create safety issues.
5. Mass concrete underpinning generally requires good site access due to the amount of spoil
to be removed and concrete imported. If access is difficult, the technique is more difficult
and may prove costly.