Engineers
Cellars and Pools
Cellars and pools constructed near existing structures require special consideration. The construction methodology must ensure the current and future stability of the existing structure is not compromised by the new construction. Where the proposed excavation falls within a predetermined "zone of influence" the underpinning or stabilisation of the structures foundations will be required. The only exception to this is where the original construction was designed for future excavations and the existing foundations were piles or soil stabilised using microfine cement grout injection techniques such as Soilcem. This section addresses some of the common issues surrounding underpinning solutions.
The most common difficulties with these types of construction is limited assess and workspace, both are likely to govern the options available. Where assess permits the use of machiney such as mini-excavators or bobcats screwpiling or concrete piling is an option. Where access or workspace prohibits machinery use microfine cement grout soil injection techniques are the likley solution assuming sandy soils exist. At clay sites hand augered concrete piers are likley to be the only solution.
Depending on the degree of difficulty underpinning solutions can be labour intensive so it is important to investigate all options prior to any engineering design.
