For centuries, concrete and brick structures have been at the core of our built-environment. The durability of these materials has been proven time and again, from ancient Roman Aqueducts to the modern skyscrapers. They need some TLC, just like everything else. This is where the underpinning comes in.
The foundation of a structure is strengthened by underpinning. You’re giving your home a pair of new shoes – ones that will handle the weight, and keep it balanced. We’ve seen some amazing advancements in the field of telecommunications over the past few years.
Let’s first talk about concrete. It’s a far cry from the old days, when concrete was simply sand gravel cement water. Concrete today is more intelligent, stronger and durable than it has ever been. This innovation is called high-performance cement (HPC). High-performance concrete (HPC) boasts greater strength and durability due to its advanced mix designs, and the addition of additives like fly ash or silica fume.
Yes, you read that correctly – self-healing Concrete! This futuristic concrete can heal itself with the help embedded bacteria. The bacteria in the material activate when water seeps from a crack. They then produce limestone and fill up the space. This is like having little masons constantly working inside your wall.
We’ll now move on to masonry. Brick-and-mortar building has many advantages, but it also has some limitations. Engineered masonry unit (EMUs) are the answer. Specially-designed blocks with superior performance over regular bricks or stone. The optimized shape and composition makes them lighter but stronger.
But what use are the fancy materials without the right techniques? The underpinnings of the methods have also changed over time.
A popular method of mass concrete underpinning involves pouring a foundation layer by level under an existing one until stability is reached. This is a simple but effective solution for many situations, especially in cases where soil conditions or access are limited.
In urban areas, where space is often a problem with traditional methods involving excavation etcetera, mini-piles are a popular technique. They provide additional support while causing minimal disturbance to the surrounding areas.
Jet grouting is a new way to stabilize structures by injecting cementitious liquid directly into weak soils. The resulting columns are able to support loads without any problems.
Due to their compact size, micropiles are a versatile solution that can be used in a variety of scenarios. This includes residential and commercial buildings as well as infrastructure projects.
As a conclusion, whether you are dealing with aging heritage properties or newer constructions that need extra reinforcement, underpinning remains a crucial aspect in maintaining structural integrity. This is because technology is advancing quickly and expectations are rising each day. The next time “underpin” is mentioned, remember there are a variety of ways to address the issue leveraging current innovations today. Tomorrow’s landmarks will stand tall as proud testaments human ingenuity and perseverance despite odds that favor otherwise!
