Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning and Strengthening of Foundations

ASCE Continuing Education Seminar Presented by Alexander Newman
Copyright 2008-2013 Alexander Newman. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material without a written permission of the copyright holder is a violation of the U.S. law

Agenda
Introduction: Why strengthen foundations? General approach and methods Adding supports Shoring and replacement Underpinning
Pit underpinning

Introduction

Using drilled piers, micropiles, proprietary piers

Enlarging footings Other strengthening issues Modifying soil properties Conclusion, Q&A

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Introduction

Some Reference Sources

FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and Underpinning, V. III, April 1976 FEMA 172, NEHRP Handbook for Seismic Rehab. of Existing Buildings (1992) FEMA 547, Techniques for the Seismic Rehab. of Existing Buildings (2006) David B. Peraza, Getting to the Bottom of Underpinning, Structure, Dec. 2006 DoD UFC 3-301-05A (fmr US Army TM 809-05, Seismic Evaluation & Rehabilitation for Buildings, 11/1999), 3/2005 P. Beckmann, Structural Aspects of Building Conservation, McGraw-Hill Intl, London, 1995

Introduction

Related Two-day ASCE Seminar

Design and Strengthening of Shallow Foundations for Conventional

and Pre-engineered Buildings

Related ASCE Webinars

Design of Building Foundations: Practical Basics Foundations for Metal Building Systems Design of Moment-Resisting Foundations for Pre-Engineering Buildings

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Why Strengthen Foundations? Reasons for Renovating Existing Foundations:

Strengthening
Original foundations were inadequate for

vertical or lateral load (or later overloaded)

Foundations were designed before loading

was finalized (MBS)

Additional loading is proposed Field errors Prior or current renovations (e.g., making big

wall openings)

Why Strengthen Foundations?

Reasons for Renovating Existing Foundations, Contd

Deterioration from
Aggressive chemicals (sulfates, acids, esp. in masonry mortar) Washout Loss of support caused by changes in water elevation

Lowering bottom of footing because of adjacent construction Adding weight for uplift prevention Remediation of heave or settlement

Alexander Newman, P.E.

General Approach and Methods

Before Strengthening, Try Analysis and Reason

Undersized foundations may have completed settlement and will perform OK unless changes occur in soil, ground water, or loading Settlement in cohesionless and cohesive soils: The differences Using live load reduction Check for surplus soil bearing capacity

Can We Establish the Existing Pressure on Soil?

General Approach and Methods Determination of In-Situ Foundation Pressure

Per ASTM D1194 Pit > 3 x 3 Access tunnel > 18 wide Equipment:
Hydraulic ram w/press. gage Load cell 1 thick plate 12x12 (4 min) dial gages to measure

soil deformation Best for sand/gravel, stiff clay

FEMA 547

Alexander Newman, P.E.

General Approach and Methods Methods of Foundation Strengthening

Adding supports in lieu of foundation strengthening Shoring and replacement Underpinning
Pit By drilled piers, micropiles, helical piers

Modifying soil properties Connecting to adjacent footings with deep tie beams

FEMA 547

Adding Supports Adding Supports in Lieu of Foundation Strengthening

Often, the most cost-effective Consider first

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Adding Supports

Adding Wall Foundations Alongside Existing

FEMA 547

Shoring and Replacement

Using Needle Beams for Temporary Shoring

For replacement or underpinning

FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and Underpinning, V. III, April 1976

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Shoring and Replacement Inclined Temporary Shoring

FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and Underpinning, V. III, 1976

Shoring and Replacement Foundation Placed in Wrong Location

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Shoring and Replacement Another Foundation Placed in Wrong Location

Underpinning

Underpinning
A process that transfers load to a greater depth than original Used to lower or to enlarge footing Temporary support is expensive and may not be needed if soil is good and foundation strong

Pit Underpinning vs. Using Micropiles, Etc.

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Pit Underpinning of Walls

Some say: Under favorable conditions, can place pits 16 o.c.

Photo: David B. Peraza, P.E.

Underpinning Underpinning Wall Foundations w/Tie-Backs

Pit done in 2 stages Tiebacks can be left in place or removed if backfilled. Tieback Staged pits need transfer devices between stages (wedges, etc.)

Photo: Vachris Engineering, P.C.

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Pit Underpinning Existing Wall Foundations

If OK w/o temporary support Approach pit; its size Pack soil behind sheeting 1st excavation pit, same depth Continue excavation Place concrete
FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and Underpinning, V. III, April 1976

Underpinning

Pit Underpinning, Contd

Transfer load using drypack or shims after > 24 hr for high-early cement, 48 hrs for regular Can settle < from:
Concrete shrinkage Soil deformation Loss of ground Deflection of existing structure
FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and Underpinning, V. III, April 1976

10

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Pit Underpinning, Contd

Driving wedges and steel plates

Photo: Vachris Engineering, P.C.

Underpinning

Example of Pit Underpinning of Wall

Photos: David B. Peraza, P.E.

11

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning Underpinning Column Footings in Quadrants

Excavate and brace soil around footing Drive rebars through soil, place concrete Wait a few days, do other quadrants

Sequence: 1,3,2,4

Underpinning Underpinning Column Footings in Quadrants, Contd

12

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Pit Underpinning: Potential Problems

Rubble foundations: May not be feasible to underpin Perhaps place a retaining wall alongside for excavation support Use other methods (below)

Underpinning

Pit Underpinning: Potential Problems, Contd

High water table with silts and clays
Example: Hi-rise building next to church Underpinned

perimeter, but interior foundations settled w/dewatering => cracks, settlement , church vacated Sandy soils
May settle if vibrated, both at perimeter and interior (from piles in

adj. bldg, soldier piles and lagging)

Can collapse into pit excavation, building loses support

Source: David B. Peraza, Getting to the Bottom of Underpinning, Structure, December 2006

13

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Pit Underpinning: Reducing Problems

Engage a monitoring firm (by owner), do a preconstruction survey Establish benchmarks on adjacent buildings Place vibration sensors there to monitor peak particle velocity generated by construction Place crack monitors over existing cracks Keep excavating contractor from excavating too much and too fast ahead of underpinning work! Need close coordination (by GC?).

Source: David B. Peraza, Getting to the Bottom of Underpinning, Structure, December 2006

Underpinning by Drilled Piers, Piles and Minipiles

When soil cannot support pits or bearing strata is too deep

Underpinning

Needle Beams and Drilled Piers

C-I-P piers in uncased holes or piles for gravity load & uplift Requires interior access by equipment
FEMA 172

14

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Underpinning by Drilled Piers

FEMA 547

Underpinning

Wall or Column Footing Underpinned by Piles Placed Alongside

FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and Underpinning, V. III, April 1976

15

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Adding Piles/Piers to Existing Wall Footing

FEMA 547

Underpinning

Underpinning Column Footings by Drilled Piers or Piles Through Footing

If footing is large enough

US Army TI 809-05

16

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Two Piles/Cantilever Beam

Underpinning

Underpinning by Jacked Piles

When DL is large Use open-ended pipe or H section Place in pits made as in pit underpinning Fasten a steel plate at bottom of footing and to top of pile, place jack in between and blocking Splice pipe and continue

FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and Underpinning, V. III, April 1976

17

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Underpinning by Augered Pile Installed in Slot

Specialized equipment needed to cut the slot

FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and Underpinning, V. III, April 1976

Underpinning

Underpinning by Steel Pile with Bracket

Pile can be augered or driven

FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and Underpinning, V. III, April 1976

18

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Bracket Piles, Contd

Here, used 6 o.c.; 45 embed.; augered holes filled w/ lean conc. Detail of bracket pile showing brg plate, wedges, shims

Photos: Vachris Engineering, P.C.

Underpinning

Using Micropiles (Minipiles, Pin, Needle, Root Piles)

Small diameter Design loads from 3 to 500+ tons Can be readily designed for tension/uplift loads for a wide range of ground conditions

Appropriate

Suitable for low headroom and restricted access Low noise and vibration Can penetrate obstacles

Source: Hayward Baker, Inc.

19

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Micropiles: Typical Uses

Can be spaced closer, so existing structure span is less. Still, may have to stabilize existing masonry if piles are driven thru it.

FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and Underpinning, V. III, 1976

Underpinning

Typical Micropile Design Steps

1. Geotechnical study 2. Determine load to be supported 3. Design pile-to-structure connection 4. Design pile-to-soil or rock load transfer 5. Develop a pile testing program (typ. to 2x static load)

Source: Hayward Baker, Inc.

20

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Types of Micropiles

Driven: Light loads thru soft soil Compaction grout: Shallow depth, loose, sandy soils (by blast of compressed air) Jet grout: High capacity, most soils where direct pressure grouting is not possible

Hayward Baker, Inc.

Underpinning

Types of Micropiles, Contd

Post grouted: All soils. Post-grouting enhances friction capacity of pile

Pressure grouted: High capacity; wide range of soils; enhanced friction capacity by densification & grout permeation of soil Drilled, end bearing: Small diameter, can transfer high loads to till or rock

Hayward Baker, Inc.

21

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning Typical Grouted Micropile Construction

Detail next

FEMA 547

Underpinning

Grouted Micropile Connection Details

Top plate for tension (placed deep enough into footing), bottom for compression

FEMA 547

22

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Example: Using Minipiles for Seismic Retrofit of Union Station Theater, St. Louis, Mo.

Problem: Seismic upgrade of I-70/64 bridge column foundations was

needed, but there was a theater was built around two of them Access could only be through a pair of 6 foot high doors Solution: Minipile installation w/low overhead drill rig

Hayward Baker, Inc.

Underpinning

Minipiles for Seismic Retrofit, Contd

Minipile: pipe to rock, then drill into rock 18 Flush rock hole, place high-strength (150-ksi) bar & grout Bearing plate on top of bar + shear studs

Hayward Baker, Inc.

23

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning Minipiles for Seismic Retrofit, Contd

Bar placed in black corrugated plastic & space within grouted
Existing column and excavated foundation

Completed minipile with cap and rock anchor

Hayward Baker, Inc.

High capacity rock anchors with corrosion protection

Underpinning

Example: Underpinning with Minipiles to Repair Settlement in a SE Florida Parking Garage.

Problem:

Three story precast parking garage; shallow foundations with 4 ksf Assumed soil: 0 - 25 firm sand / dense sand & limestone But: One interior isolated column began settling SPT at that location found isolated pocket of 0 13 sand fill / 7

organics / dense sand & limestone Solution: Minipiles installed w/low overhead drill rig, doweled into existing column
Hayward Baker, Inc.

24

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Example: Minipiles for Repair of Settlement, Contd

Hayward Baker, Inc.

Underpinning

Example: Minipiles for Repair of Settlement, Contd

Hayward Baker, Inc.

25

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Using Proprietary Steel Anchors

Helical PulldownTM Anchors (AB CHANCE Anchors) Good sources of info: AB Chance Co. http://www.abchance.com Solid Earth Technologies, Inc. www.solidearthtech.com

Solid Earth Technologies, Inc.

Underpinning

Jacked Steel (Atlas) Piers

End-bearing piers hydraulically pushed to load bearing strata ATLAS SYSTEMS, INC. 1026-B South Powell Road, Independence, MO 64056 Telephone: (816) 796-6800, web http://www.atlassys.com

Hayward Baker, Inc. and Atlas Systems, Inc.

26

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Enlarging Footings

Enlarging Existing Footings

FEMA 547

Enlarging Footings

Some Assumptions in Widening Footings

Idealized model with uniform pressure

After Poul Beckmann, Structural Aspects of Building Conservation, McGraw-Hill Intl, London, 1995

27

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Enlarging Footings
Assumptions

in Widening Foundations, Contd

Drilled-in SS threaded rods or hooked bars Threaded SS PT bars in pressure-grouted holes

After Poul Beckmann, Structural Aspects of Building Conservation, McGraw-Hill Intl, London, 1995

Enlarging Footings

Widening Concrete Foundations, Contd

Real life: Unequal pressure => more settlement when loaded Using flatjacks over the pressure slab to preload soil Preload gradually in clay (weeks)

After Poul Beckmann, Structural Aspects of Building Conservation, McGraw-Hill Intl, London, 1995

28

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Enlarging Footings

Widening Rubble Foundations

Pressure grout before underpinning Grout travels easier horizontally; vertical spacing of ~ 2 ft? Remove finishes to expose joints

Enlarging Footings

Widening Rubble Foundations, Contd

Cut into existing foundation Alternate the hooks Corrosion-resistant coating?

29

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Enlarging Footings

Widening Rubble Foundations, Contd

Drill and PT after 28 days Use to widen the footing or make a beam to span between new deep foundations

Other Strengthening Issues

Increasing Uplift Capacity of Column Footings

Increase size by underpinning as above Add drilled piers or soil anchors (use drill bits from 4 to 6 dia., insert deformed rod, pump grout as bit is withdrawn). Can PT rods if anchored into grouted soil below casing.

Contractors for FEMA use a power drill to place 4ft long steel anchors into sand to tie down FEMA travel trailers in Pensacola, June 2005 (FEMA)

30

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Other Strengthening Issues Increasing Uplift Capacity of Footings, Contd

Connect to adjacent footings with deep tie beams May need a concrete overlay on top of footing Will concrete overlay on top of footing help?

Other Strengthening Issues

Increasing Lateral Resistance of Column Footings

Increase footing size to increase passive pressure Connect to adjacent footings with deep tie beams for same Improve soil behind the footing to increase passive pressure

31

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Soil Improvement

Soil Improvement
Methods depend on type of soil get expert advice For coarse sand and gravel, cement grouting to bind particles For fine sands and coarse silts, chemical grout injection (better penetration than cement but more $) For other soils, compaction grouting Excellent source of info: www.haywardbaker.com

FEMA 547

Soil Improvement

Chemical Grout Injection

Permeation of sands with fluid grouts to produce sandstone-like masses to carry loads. Grout mixes with sand, forms composite material with higher soil strength (200-300 psi possible) Grouts: Sodium silicates, Acrylates, Acrylamides, Polyurethanes Gel sets in 1-3 hrs Usually, no heave

Hayward Baker, Inc.

32

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Soil Improvement

Chemical Grouting, Contd

Grout injected in clean sand at regular patterns below footing May require holes through floor slab (disruption)

Hayward Baker, Inc.

Soil Improvement

Chemical Grouting, Contd

Proper confinement stress reqd to prevent heave (soil + found. DL may be OK). Cannot be done near the surface may blow off the soil Take precautions not to fill adjacent cracked sewers, duct banks

Hayward Baker, Inc.

33

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Soil Improvement

Example: Chemical Grouting at Trane Company Manufacturing Facility, La Crosse, WI

Problem: Addition to an existing manufacturing facility building would significantly increase foundation bearing pressure Solution: Chemical grouting (sodium silicate) to consolidate clean sandy soils beneath the footings to increase allowable bearing capacity and distribute new foundation loading

Hayward Baker, Inc.

Soil Improvement

Example: Chemical Grouting, Contd

Installation of sleeve port (Tam) grout pipes (with holes in sides) using portable drilling equipment (Another method of grouting: Pump and withdraw)

Hayward Baker, Inc.

Section Showing Zone Of Stabilized Soil Beneath Footing

34

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Soil Improvement Example: Chemical Grouting, Contd

Grouting Operations Underway Showing Grout Pipe Locations and Chemical Grout Storage Tanker

Hayward Baker, Inc.

Soil Improvement

Compaction Grouting
Sim. to chemical, but grout displaces soil rather than mixes with it. A very viscous and stiff (0-3 slump) sitemixed grout is pumped in stages, forming grout bulbs, which displace & densify the soil under. Some overburden stress reqd Can act as both a column and a soilimprovement system.
Hayward Baker, Inc.

35

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Soil Improvement

Jet Grouting
High-velocity injection of fluids erodes soil, replaces it with interconnected soilcrete columns 3-4 dia. (strength > 1000 psi). Widely used to underpin historic structures. Gravels and sands easiest to erode, clays more difficult

Hayward Baker, Inc.

Soil Improvement

Jet Grouting Systems

Single Fluid Jet Grouting (Soilcrete S) best for cohesionless soils Double Fluid Jet Grouting (Soilcrete D): Grout jet shrouded with air for more efficient erosion in cohesive soils. Triple Fluid Jet Grouting (Soilcrete T): Grout, air and water are pumped through different lines, yielding higher quality soilcrete. Most effective system for cohesive soils.
Hayward Baker, Inc.

36

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Soil Improvement Soil Mixing (Deep Mixing Method)

Mechanical blending of the in situ soil with cementitious materials (reagent binder) using a hollow stem auger and paddle arrangement to achieve improved character, generally a design compressive strength or shear strength and/or permeability.

Hayward Baker, Inc.

In Some Cases, Building Replacement is Best

A case of Westin La Paloma parking garage in Phoenix. 400 x 120 ft 2-deck precast structure was built into the side of a hill on uncompacted fill A decade of problems: Subsidence, cracking, rotation of retaining walls on 3 sides~$300K of studies and repairs Replaced with PT framing on caissons bypassing the fill

Source: ENR, August 4, 1997, p. 17.

37

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Q&A
Alexander Newman Alexander-Newman@Outlook.com

Live P.E./S.E. Exam Review Courses, Fall 2013

Pass the P.E./S.E. Exam and Save with ASCEs New Individual Pricing for Review Courses. Three review courses are offered:

P.E. Civil Exam P.E. Environmental Exam S.E. Structural Exam

Register by July 17 and SAVE $100

For more information and registration visit www.asce.org/pereview
Pay a single site registration fee and an unlimited number of people in your organization can attend at that site or attend as an individual.

38

Alexander Newman, P.E.

S.E. Structural Exam Review Course - with Seismic Design Preparation

Mon., Aug. 12 Gravity Loads Mon., Aug. 19 Structural Analysis Mon., Aug. 26 Bridge Design Wed., Sept. 4 Timber Design Mon., Sept. 16 Prestressed Concrete Wed., Sept. 25 Steel Design Wed., Aug. 14 Lateral Loads Wed., Aug. 21 Bridge Loads Wed., Aug. 28 Masonry Design Wed., Sept. 11 Concrete Buildings Wed., Sept. 18 Seismic Design

P.E. Civil Exam Review, 12-Part Course, Fall 2013

Tue., Aug.13 Structural Analysis Tue., Aug. 20 Structural Design Tue., Aug. 27 Geometric Design Tue., Sept. 3 Hydraulics Tue., Sept. 10 Waste & Water Treatment Tue., Sept. 17 Foundation Engineering Thur., Aug. 15 Strength of Materials Thur., Aug. 22 Construction Materials Thur., Aug. 29 Engineering Cost Analysis Thur., Sept. 5 - Hydraulics Thur., Sept. 12 Geomechanics Thur., Sept. 19 Construction Scheduling and Estimating

39

Alexander Newman, P.E.

P.E. Civil Exam Review, 17-Part Course, Fall 2013

Tue., Aug.13 Structural Analysis Tue., Aug. 20 Structural Design Tue., Aug. 27 Geometric Design Tue., Sept. 3 Hydraulics Tue., Sept. 10 Waste & Water Treatment Tue., Sept. 17 Foundation Engineering Mon., Sept. 9 Water Resource Depth Tue., Sept. 24 Geotechnical Depth Fri., Sept. 27 - Construction Depth Thur., Aug. 15 Strength of Materials Thur., Aug. 22 Construction Materials Thur., Aug. 29 Engineering Cost Analysis Thur., Sept. 5 - Hydraulics Thur., Sept. 12 Geomechanics Thur., Sept. 19 Construction Scheduling and Estimating Mon., Sept. 23 Structures Depth Thur., Sept. 26 Transportation Depth

P.E. Environmental Exam Review Course

Fri., Aug. 16 Environmental Assessment and Remediation Fri., Aug. 30 Storm Water Fri., Sept. 13 Water Quality Fri., Aug. 23 Hazardous Waste and Emergency Operations Fri. Sept. 6 Waste and Water Treatment Fri., Sept. 20 Air Quality

40