GeoStabilization International® provides best-in-class underpinning and foundation underpinning solutions for all types of infrastructure. Thanks to its large fleet of remote-access equipment, GeoStabilization can confidently handle projects most soil stabilization companies would find challenging.
Underpinning — also known as foundation underpinning — is a method for repairing, strengthening, or deepening existing foundations by lowering the footing so that it rests on a more supportive soil. This technique bypasses problematic soil layers by installing structural elements that transmit the building’s load to deeper layers of soil or bedrock. Underpinning has various applications, including:
There are two main types of underpinning. The first type of underpinning involves enlarging the existing foundations or adding new foundations. The second method of underpinning involves improving the ground conditions of the soil under the foundations without touching the building at all.
Underpinning is a reliable solution for strengthening and stabilizing existing foundations. This method ensures that your structure can handle additional loads, preventing future issues such as cracking or sinking
Underpinning is often more cost-effective than tearing down and rebuilding a structure from scratch. By improving existing foundations, you can avoid the high costs associated with a complete foundation replacement.
Foundation underpinning is suitable for a range of structures, including infrastructure, commercial, and industrial buildings. The technique can be applied to a variety of foundation types, including concrete, masonry, and steel.
Underpinning not only improves the stability of your structure but also enhances its structural integrity. This means that your building can withstand harsh weather conditions and other external factors that can cause damage.
A tramway manufacturer hired GeoStabilization to construct the underpinning foundation for two tramway towers in an isolated and hard-to-access mountain area.
The challenging terrain meant that conventional building equipment would not be able to reach the site. Standard tower foundations were likewise not appropriate for this project because of the lack of water and concrete batch plants near the site and the unknown subsurface conditions.
Instead of relying on traditional equipment, GeoStabilization opted to use its proprietary launched SuperMicropiles™ and its fleet of limited-access drill rigs. The company then deployed helicopters to bring the equipment and machines to the site.
GeoStabilization’s proprietary SuperMicropiles™ is an advanced type of micropile. Micropiles are grouted pile foundations with casing and/or a center bar for reinforcement that are usually under 12 inches in diameter. To install a micropile, GeoStabilization’s crews drill a borehole, launch the steel, and then add pressure grouting with neat-cement grout.
The SuperMicropiles™ were specifically created to reach depths of up to 160 feet and bear axial and lateral loads and ground movement. As a result, these micropile systems are exceptionally well suited to providing improved bearing support to retaining walls, towers, transmission lines, and other mission-critical infrastructure.
Another advantage of launched SuperMicropiles™ is that the installation process is significantly less time consuming and more cost-effective compared to conventional alternatives. The ease of installation, combined with GeoStabilization’s limited-access rigs, enables the crews to install foundation underpinning even in the most challenging environments.
With more than 5,500 projects completed to date, GeoStabilization International® is the world’s leading geohazard mitigation service provider. Call 855.579.0536 to learn more about the company or request assistance with your project.
