Installing foundation next to deteriorating rubble wall without underpinning
Installing foundation next to deteriorating rubble wall without underpinning
(OP)
We are proposing to install a footing/foundation next to a two story brick building with a deteriorating loose rubble wall foundation installed on fill. The depth of the existing footing is 4'. Adequate bearing material is at 10'. We do not want to underpin the existing building because there are already signs of settlement (vertical cracks in wall) and we are afraid of causing additionl damage during the process. The neighbor is a big problem and we do not want to touch her building. We propose to excavate down 4' to match the adjacent footing and install helical piles to the bearing stratum. We then step the foundation wall away from the existing building and excavate 6' more to the desired depth of cellar level.
Is there an easier, more cost effective way, of installing this foundation?
Is there an easier, more cost effective way, of installing this foundation?





RE: Installing foundation next to deteriorating rubble wall without underpinning
RE: Installing foundation next to deteriorating rubble wall without underpinning
If the owner is unwilling to give you access, then have your attorney put the owner and the building department on notice that you have attempted to do this in an effort to mitigate potential issues with construction activities and to protect yourself from subsequent claims.
If the owner is unwilling to repair their foundation, again have your attorney put them on notice that their failure to stabilize a deficient foundation may cause damage to the foundation during your construction. Further, if the foundation is truly unstable to the point of potential collapse or significant movement, you do not want to place your team in danger during construction and that they might be liable for any damage to your construction or personnel for their failure to mitigate a hazardous condition.
Enlist your local building department to help you with this. They usually have a bit more power than they're willing to exercise....push their limit on this.
Monitor vibrations and protect your excavations during construction. Set triggers on the vibration monitoring that will alert you to potentially damaging vibrations.
Treat this seriously. It is a common source of construction litigation.
RE: Installing foundation next to deteriorating rubble wall without underpinning
RE: Installing foundation next to deteriorating rubble wall without underpinning
Dave
Thaidavid
RE: Installing foundation next to deteriorating rubble wall without underpinning
You also did not mention how far away from the building you would step the new deeper footings. The farther, the better. The closer, the more chance of dropping the building.
I recommend underpinning the building.
www.PeirceEngineering.com
RE: Installing foundation next to deteriorating rubble wall without underpinning
In our area it is the responsibility of the owner excavating to support the adjacent building.
We have provided a 1 to 1.5 slope from existing foundation to proposed. We will also install foundation in sections.
A secant pile wall would be very expensive comparably to our solution.
I have attached a sketch of our proposed solution.
RE: Installing foundation next to deteriorating rubble wall without underpinning
www.PeirceEngineering.com