Underpinning 18 inches - Do I need a geotech? 1

[Ben29]

I am doing structural drawings to underpin the basement of an existing single-family detatched house. We need 18" of underpinning. Typically I would get a geotech involved (geotech involvement is required in Washington DC). This house is not in DC. This jurisdiction does not have special provisions for underpinning. That being said, do I need to get a geotech involved?

 

[CivilSigma]

From my experience, I would consult a geotech to assess the soil condition below the foundation and to provide a soil bearing capacity.

Are you underpinning because of expected settlement damage, or because foundation is undersized?

 

[dik]

It depends on your experience and how well you know your local soils...Geotech info can be great... but I've done dozens of underpinning without geotech input.

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?
-Dik