Challenging conventional underpinning

Ground engineering experts Mainmark suggest it’s time to move away from conventional underpinning, and adopt a more innovative approach.

Steve Piscetek, divisional manager, Mainmark Civil and Mining, says conventional steel and concrete underpinning have long been the go-to solutions to support or strengthen existing structure foundations, but alternative solutions are fast gaining favour.

“With a more innovative approach, modern methods of stabilising and lifting structures are streamlining restorative projects, lowering budget estimates and decreasing site sizes by removing the need for heavy machinery.”

Steve says that technology has produced arguably superior alternatives to invasive and costly underpinning. This includes computers that can manage the delivery of cementitious grout mixes that have enough compressive strength to relevel large structures and buildings up to 10 storeys high.

One example is JOG Computer Controlled Grouting (JOG), which allows technicians to send more grout to areas that need additional material.

“The outcome is a uniform lift that does not damage the structure, and minimises disruption to the structure and its occupants. With techniques like JOG already available, the future of structural remediation is no longer speculative,” he adds.