At RMB Groundworks, we bring over 20 years of expertise to our underpinning services, ensuring that each project benefits from our deep understanding of structural integrity and our commitment to delivering high-quality solutions. Whether you are working on a residential renovation, commercial upgrade, or industrial expansion, our underpinning services are tailored to provide the stability and security necessary for your project to succeed and endure.
Underpinning
Securing Stability for Your Building’s Future
Underpinning is a vital process in construction and renovation, designed to reinforce and stabilize existing foundations that may be compromised or require additional support. This technique is crucial for maintaining the integrity of structures, particularly in cases where foundations have settled unevenly, where the building’s use has changed, or when deeper basements are being added.
What is Underpinning?
Underpinning is typically required when the existing foundations of a building are no longer adequate to support the structure, either due to changes in the ground conditions, additional loads, or because of structural deterioration over time.
At RMB Groundworks, we approach each underpinning project with a thorough assessment of the site conditions and the specific needs of the structure. Our experienced team conducts detailed surveys to understand the underlying issues affecting the foundation. This careful planning ensures that we select the most appropriate underpinning method for your project, whether it involves traditional mass concrete underpinning, beam and base underpinning, or the use of mini-piles to strengthen the foundation.
Expert Piling Solutions
Mass Concrete Underpinning
One of the most common methods we employ is mass concrete underpinning, which involves extending the existing foundation down to a deeper level where the soil is more stable.
This tried-and-true technique has been used for decades and is particularly effective in stabilizing structures that have settled or shifted due to poor ground conditions. For projects where access is limited or where the building needs to remain occupied during the work, we may use beam and base underpinning.
This method involves constructing a series of reinforced concrete beams and bases to support the existing structure, offering a more flexible solution that minimizes disruption.
Mini-Pile Underpinning
Where significant additional load is expected, mini-pile may be your best option
Mini-pile underpinning is a foundation strengthening technique ideal for challenging ground conditions or when additional load-bearing capacity is needed. It involves driving small-diameter piles deep into the ground to reach stable soil layers or bedrock, transferring the building’s load away from weaker, upper soil layers. This method is particularly useful when traditional underpinning methods are not feasible due to the depth or nature of the weak soils.
The compact equipment used for mini-pile installation allows work in confined spaces, making it suitable for urban environments or existing buildings. Once installed, the mini-piles are capped with a reinforced concrete slab or needle beam, evenly distributing the structure’s weight and ensuring a strong, reliable foundation.
Ensuring Stability and Longevity
At RMB Groundworks, we understand that underpinning is not just about stabilizing a building—it’s about ensuring the long-term safety and usability of the structure.
Our team is committed to delivering underpinning solutions that are both effective and minimally disruptive, allowing your project to proceed smoothly while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality. We work closely with our clients throughout the entire process, from the initial assessment and design to the final execution, ensuring that every aspect of the project is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
In summary, RMB Groundworks offers comprehensive underpinning services designed to reinforce and stabilise your building’s foundations, providing the security and peace of mind that your structure will stand strong for many years to come. Whether you are dealing with foundation settlement, changing ground conditions, or the need to support additional loads, our expertise and dedication make us the ideal partner for your underpinning needs. We take pride in our ability to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget, ensuring that your project starts—and stays—on solid ground.