Underpinning

Abalon has over 40 years of experience underpinning structures. Western Canada offers a variety of soil conditions therefore each individual project dictates a different repair system. Abalon has the ability to deal will any challenges as we employ a variety of underpinning systems.

Our Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg offices all employ different methods that are dictated by surrounding regions soil conditions.

The art of underpinning structures is as old as that of building itself, going back to ancient times. The purpose of underpinning is to increase the size or depth of a structure’s foundation. This is called remedial underpinning. Underpinning is a specialized form of construction and needs to be performed by experienced field personnel and engineers.

Underpinning is the process of providing additional support to existing foundations at or below grade. There are several methods of underpinning available today. Each of these methods has its unique qualities.

Spread Bore Piles

These are designed to spread the weight of a structure over a large area at shallow depths. Typically these footings are installed on undisturbed inorganic native materials. Protection from frost penetration to their base is essential.

Jack Piles

Jack piles are essentially lengths of steel pipe or steel I-beams hydraulically jacked into the soil next to or directly beneath the structure. Jack piles use the weight of the structure to push the pile into the ground. Short pieces of pipe / I-beam is then attached together as they are pushed downwards.

End Bearing Piles

End bearing piles are piles that are drilled to firm soils that are unaffected by soil moisture changes and have high compressive strengths. Steel reinforcing and concrete are then poured into the hole creating a large footprint similar to a pad footing.

Friction Piles

Friction piles are the most widely used type of pile today. These piles are drilled similar to the end bearing piles. Once the soil has been removed from the hole steel reinforcing and concrete are poured into the hole. These piles are more reliable as they use the friction that results from the contact between the concrete to the soil. Friction piles do not require the building to be used as the driving force, therefore safety margins for increased future loading and/or soil changes are easily incorporated.

Helical (Screw) Piles

Helical (screw) piles are piles that are screwed into the soil until required resistance is reached. Piles are attached to the foundation using a saddle. The main advantage of this system is that it can be used in rocky soils. These piles are driven into the ground with the use of a mini backhoe.

Column and Pad

This is the most basic system essentially a hole is dug below the frost line on undisturbed soil. A concrete pad is poured and a concrete column is poured on top of the pad. Usually used for lighter structures or in restricted areas such as crawl spaces.

Abalon only employs three methods, friction piles, helical piles as well as column and pad. Every project dictates a different repair method. Call Abalon today.