wentworth

This project involved the structural refurbishment of an existing art deco house, where poor ground conditions necessitated the use of a reinforced concrete pile raft foundation. This foundation design integrates a thick reinforced concrete raft with deep piles to ensure structural integrity and protection against differential settlement.  The pile raft foundation is ideal for handling significant structural loads in areas with challenging soil conditions, particularly where clay heave is a concern. Clay heave refers to the expansion of clay soil due to moisture changes, which can cause upward pressure.

Our design effectively resists this by anchoring the structure into deeper, stable soil layers through piles, while the thick concrete raft evenly distributes loads from columns and long-span beams.  Additionally, the pile raft system is engineered to counteract hydraulic pressures from the deep swimming pool, making it a robust solution for basement and pool construction. The design ensures the foundation can withstand heavy, concentrated loads from columns and beams, while preventing localised over-stressing. 

By combining the load-bearing capacity of piles with the resilience of a reinforced raft, this foundation system offers a durable and efficient solution for complex architectural refurbishments, ensuring long-term structural performance and stability.