Underpinning Design in New Jersey
Foundations, like any part of a structure, are not immune to wear and tear that occurs over time. When a foundation has become eroded, broken, or is unsteady due to various factors, it’s important to address this issue before the building and its inhabitants find themselves at the mercy of the impacted foundation. That’s where we come in. At Earth Engineering in NJ, we offer underpinning design that can address these issues and provide a more stable foundation moving forward. If you’re in need of a geotechnical engineering company with decades of experience enhancing construction design and safety, start here with Earth Engineering.
Types of Underpinning Methods
Underpinning design in NJ is not limited to just one or two methods. There are several underpinning methods that may be utilized, depending on the project. These include:
- Micropiles: The micropiling method uses small diameter piles that are installed under the foundation in weak areas. This method is used when it’s difficult to access the areas under the foundation.
- Screw Piling: Aptly named screw piling or helical piers is an underpinning design that involves screwing piles into the ground until they’re at a suitable length where they can support the building. They’re then attached to the foundation.
- Pit Method: The pit method is one of the older underpinning methods you might see when pursuing underpinning design in NJ. The pit method involves digging under the foundation and then filling those pits with concrete, supporting the building once the concrete solidifies.
Benefits of Proper Underpinning Design
Underpinning design in NJ offers multiple benefits for buildings that are currently dealing with structural issues. Some of these benefits include:
- Better structural support for buildings that could otherwise become damaged due to current foundation issues.
- Improved property value, which can be important for investment properties that have become inaccessible or less valuable as a result of the underlying structural damage.
- Flexibility in underpinning design methods in NJ and costs involved. We provide options for the methods that best suit your schedule and budget.
- Adding a Basement or Lower Level to expand below an existing structure, such as adding a basement or underground parking, the existing foundation must be deepened to accommodate the new space. Underpinning allows excavation beneath the structure while ensuring it remains stable during the process.
- Preventing Undermining Due to Adjacent Construction. If nearby excavation (e.g., for a deep foundation, tunnel, or basement) risks undermining the structure, underpinning can deepen the foundation to avoid instability. This ensures that soil movement from neighboring construction does not lead to settlement or structural failure.
If you’re in need of underpinning design in Pennsylvania or NJ, you can trust the experts at Earth Engineering to deliver on-time, on-budget results for your project.
When is Underpinning Needed?
So, when should you reach out for underpinning design in NJ? The most obvious signs that underpinning design is needed are serious structural changes such as cracks and sloping. Also, when you want to expand below an existing structure, such as adding a basement or underground parking, the existing foundation must be deepened to accommodate the new space. Underpinning allows excavation beneath the structure while ensuring it remains stable during the process. You may want to reach out to experts for underpinning design in NJ when there are any changes that could potentially affect your property when the use of the property changes, such as storing much larger items that are put more weight and pressure on the foundation, or if there was recently a natural disaster such as storm or flood damage which you believe has damaged the foundation of your structure. If there are any noticeable issues, focusing on underpinning design in NJ will offer you the support you require to keep using your property safely.
Interested in underpinning design in NJ? Get in touch with us today to begin your Geotechnical Investigation Consultation.