Excavation & Underpinning

All basements are excavated to the base of the foundations, as an option, underpinning can add additional height by extending the depth of the foundation.

Excavation

Basements are excavated to the base of the foundations.

Underpinning

Underpinning is a method of extending the existing foundations in depth or width. Barrett Kent will excavate short sections of soil from beneath the existing foundation in a planned sequence. Concrete is then poured into the excavation to a level close to the underside of the existing foundation.

Once initial cure and shrinkage has occurred, dry packing the gap with a mixture of sharp sand and cement transfers the load. The adjacent pins are then excavated and constructed in the same way until the complete length of wall is underpinned forming a new foundation.

In all cases a fully qualified structural engineer will visit the site and draw up a pin schedule following this, the structural engineer and local authority-building inspectors will periodically inspect the project as work commences with the final sign off at completion.