What Are The Benefits Of Underpinning For Designers And Homeowners? Underpinning risks should be managed carefully. Underpinning could put at risk the project's future success. Project owners should understand this and allocate funds for it. A specialist consultant may be required depending on the design team. These are ways to lower the chance of underpinning.
Assess the importance of underpinning The design team should be aware of any adjacent structures that could be affected by construction. Site reconnaissance, walks around adjoining properties, and geotechnical investigations are often enough to allow for an early assessment of the need for underpinning.
Take a look at other options A rigid, permanent, excavation support system that doesn't require underpinning may be cost- and/or time-saving in certain circumstances. It may be necessary to remove existing structures to make it easier to underpin the structure, and to build new loads with cantilever or deep foundations.
Conditions of the contract Some jurisdictions require that construction documents include information on the underpinning and design. It is a good idea if you include performance standards. This information can be used by contractors to establish a baseline for the site and determine the best underpinning. This information can reduce the chance of overpinning. Contractors can use a baseline plan of underpinning and a differing location clause to reduce bid contingencies. The owner of the property will be able to lower their costs if the underpinning goes according to plan. This will decrease the chance that the contractor will not plan for or exclude underpinning to reduce their bid. The owner may have to file claims or make changes if underpinning is necessary. Contractors may be tempted to take unnecessary risks in order to recover their budget and schedule. This could result in third-party claims and delay-related expenses. The expected expenses for underpinning can be reduced by having a baseline.
Review underpinning plans To ensure that the contractor is meeting contract performance requirements, the design professional should review his underpinning plans. This gives the contractor and the recorded design professional the opportunity to examine the contractor's plan for underpinning and confirm that it is complete and competent. A license agreement should also state that plans for underpinning must not be submitted by an unrelated consultant.
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