rectory road

The project involved the underpinning of an entire semidetached house to facilitate the construction of a new basement. Given the challenging ground conditions, the construction required a meticulous, sequential approach to ensure structural integrity and safety throughout the process.

Underpinning Methodology: Underpinning was implemented to reinforce the foundation of the house, allowing for the excavation and creation of a basement without compromising the stability of the existing structure.  Detailed geotechnical investigations were conducted to assess soil conditions, load-bearing capacities, and potential risks. The underpinning design was tailored to the specific requirements of the structure and the surrounding environment.Sequential Excavation: The excavation was executed in carefully planned phases. Each section of the foundation was undermined and strengthened sequentially to avoid excessive loading on the remaining structure and minimise any potential settlement issues.  The construction of the basement slab was a critical phase that required precision and adherence to strict sequences:Inverted Raft System: The slab was designed as an inverted raft, which meant it was engineered to distribute loads evenly across the underpinning elements. This approach was particularly beneficial in mitigating the effects of any potential ground movement.  High-strength reinforcement was embedded within the slab to enhance its load-bearing capacity. The slab was strategically linked to the underpinning elements to form a cohesive structural unit that could effectively resist any lateral forces.  To support the weight of the building above and ensure structural stability, several steel frames were integrated into the design.  The steel frames were designed to transfer loads from the upper structure down into the new basement slab. Each frame was carefully positioned to correspond with the architectural