Clay Foundation Subsidence

Post war two storey right-hand semi-detached property with internal and external walls built using no-fines concrete.

// Project Overview

A claim for structural damage was made at this property in 2016 and following a series of intrusive investigations the damage was found to be due to clay shrinkage foundation subsidence exacerbated by the water demands of the large oak trees growing within common land directly in front of the building.

Further investigations found that the heave potential of the site was too great to consider tree removal as part of the mitigation work and crack monitoring over two years found a significant range of seasonal, but progressive damage around the property.

A decision to settle the claim through a traditional piled underpinning scheme was made in 2019.

By the end of 2019 the internal small diameter piles had been successfully installed so that the next phase of work, i.e. the installation of the ground beams into the external walls could commence.

During the attempts to break out the existing foundations to the external walls the contractors noticed vibration throughout the building and they were immediately concerned for the stability of the building and the safety of their workmen. It was also apparent that the condition of the no-fines concrete and brickwork at foundation level were poor and the concrete was crumbling and falling away during attempts to cut through it.

The original underpinning scheme had to be amended and series of RC pile caps were installed beneath the existing foundations. The existing piled raft design was then adopted internally once the new caps were formed to act as floor slab and foundation to the internal walls.

WCJ Accreditations

With 30+ years professional experience across London, Surrey and the home counties; Wyatt Carruthers Jebb specialise in Defect Diagnosis, Structural Engineering, Building Surveying, Civil Engineering, Contract Administration, Disaster Recovery, Party Wall Services, Forensic Investigations, Site Investigations sand other related services.

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// RELATED SERVICES

Building Surveying

Our team of experienced building surveyors offer building consultancy services across the UK.

Structural Engineering

Registered with the Institution of Structural Engineers, our team of experienced Engineers offer a wide range of structural engineering services across the UK.

Party Wall Service

Our team of Engineers supported by our in-house Building Surveyors provide all necessary Party Wall services in accordance with the Party Wall etc Act 1996.

Contract Administration

Our team of experienced Engineers and Surveyors offer a range of Contract Administration Services particularly in the field of building repairs and refurbishment throughout southern England and across the UK.

Site Investigations

Wyatt Carruthers Jebb have in in-house site investigation company which is wholly owned by Wyatt Carruthers Jebb by the name of Invetech Ltd. Invetech can provide a site investigation service across the whole of Southern England and across the UK.

ABOUT THIS CASE STUDY

Client: Housing Association
Industry Sectors:
Architects & Building Surveyors Insurers & Loss Adjustors Housing Associations & Local Authorities Residential
Services Provided:
Building Surveying Structural Engineering Party Wall Service Contract Administration Site Investigations
Project Value: £250,000

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For Homeowners & Landlords

Wyatt Carruthers Jebb Ltd can provide Engineering and Building Surveying services directly to the Homeowner or Landlord for a wide variety of projects and the correction of building defects.

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Wyatt Carruthers Jebb Ltd can provide Engineering and Building Surveying services in conjunction and in the support of design services supplied by the main design services supplied by Architects and Surveyors.

For Loss Adjusters & Insurers

Wyatt Carruthers Jebb Ltd can provide Engineering and Building Surveying services directly to Loss Adjusters and Insurers on a wide variety of claims including subsidence, fire damage, explosion, vehicle impact damage, and storm and water damage

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Mole Valley District Council

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Mole Valley District Council

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