Underpinning

Falcon employs experienced, qualified engineers who are able to analyse subsidence problems, and apply
appropriate solutions to suit particular foundation failures and ground conditions. Falcon offers a range of
underpinning techniques from the traditional mass concrete method to the more technical piled raft construction.

Mass Concrete
The traditional mass concrete method
of underpinning is an established
technique, suitable for relatively
shallow depths of underpinning in dry
stable ground conditions. Bases are
excavated and constructed in a
planned hit and miss sequence,
ensuring that the structural integrity of
the building above is safely
maintained.

Commencement of mass
concrete underpinning to flank
wall of house

Construction of new pin

adjacent to previously cast and
dry packed concrete pin

Mass Concrete Underpinning

Suspended
Timber Floor
External
Ground
Level

DPC

Internal Oversite
Concrete

Existing
Footing
Anti-Heave
Material

Dry
Pack

Base depth
to extend
min 500mm
below
deepest tree
roots in clay

Joggle
Joint
Two
Layers of
Polythene

Base width typically

150mm wider than
existing footing

Watford 01923 22 1111

Underpinning to a flank wall to enable the construction of a

Reinforced Concrete Basement

Mitcham 020 8640 6680

Billericay 01268 711 990

Bristol 01275 844 889

Underpinning

Beam and Base

The beam and base method of
underpinning is a more technically
advanced adaptation of traditional
mass concrete underpinning.
A reinforced concrete beam is
constructed below, above or in
replacement of the existing footing.
The beam then transfers the load of
the building to mass concrete bases,
which are constructed at designed
strategic locations.

New R.C. beam supported on

mass concrete base

Beam and Base construction of

beam under existing wall

Beam and Base Underpinning

External
Ground
Level

Internal Floor
DPC

Existing
Footing
Dry Pack
Reinforced
Concrete
Beam

Beam dry packed to underside of footing

Base sizes and depths are dependent

Anti-Heave precautions are often

upon the prevailing ground

incorporated in schemes where

conditions. Beam design is

potential expansion of clay soils

dependent upon the configuration of

may occur.

Mass
Concrete
Base

Anti-Heave
Material

Base depth
to extend
min 500mm
below
deepest tree
roots in clay

the building and the applied loads.

Watford 01923 22 1111

Mitcham 020 8640 6680

Billericay 01268 711 990

Bristol 01275 844 889