Alexander Newman, P.E.

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Underpinning and Strengthening of

Foundations
ASCE Continuing Education Seminar
Presented by Alexander Newman, P.E.
Exponent Failure Analysis Associates,
Natick, MA
(508) 652-8500
anewman@exponent.com
Copyright 2008 Alexander Newman

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Agenda

Introduction

Introduction: Why strengthen foundations?

General approach and methods
Adding supports
Shoring and replacement
Underpinning
- Pit underpinning
- Using drilled piers, micropiles, proprietary piers
Enlarging footings
Other strengthening issues
Modifying soil properties
3

Conclusion, Q&A

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

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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

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)

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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

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?

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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
9
FEMA 547

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

10

FEMA 547

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Adding Supports
Adding Supports in Lieu of Foundation
Strengthening
Often, the most cost-effective
Consider first

11

Adding Supports

Adding Wall Foundations Alongside Existing

12
FEMA 547

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Shoring and Replacement

Using Needle Beams

for Temporary Shoring
For replacement or
underpinning

13

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

Shoring and Replacement

Inclined Temporary Shoring

14
FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and Underpinning, V. III, 1976

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Shoring and Replacement

Foundation Placed in Wrong Location

15

Shoring and Replacement

Another Foundation Placed

in Wrong Location

16

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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.

17

Underpinning

Pit Underpinning of Walls

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

18
Photo: David B. Peraza, P.E.

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

19

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

20

10

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Example of Pit Underpinning of Wall

21
Photos: David B. Peraza, 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

22

11

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning
Underpinning Column Footings in Quadrants, Contd

23

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)

24

12

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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

25

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

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?).

26

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

13

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning by Drilled

Underpinning

Piers, Piles and Minipiles

When soil cannot support pits or
bearing strata is too deep

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

27

Underpinning

28

Underpinning by
Drilled Piers

FEMA 547

14

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Wall or Column Footing

Underpinned by Piles
Placed Alongside

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

29

Underpinning

30

Adding
Piles/Piers
to Existing
Wall Footing

FEMA 547

15

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Underpinning Column Footings by Drilled Piers or

Piles Through Footing
If footing is large enough

31

US Army TI 809-05

Underpinning

Two Piles/Cantilever Beam

32

16

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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

33

Underpinning

Underpinning by
Augered Pile Installed
in Slot
Specialized equipment
needed to cut the slot

34

FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and

Underpinning, V. III, April 1976

17

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Underpinning by
Augered Concrete
Caisson With
Bracket
Pit needed for bracket
For smaller loads:
C-I-P piers (say, 12
dia) w/ column-type
rebars & haunch

FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and

Underpinning, V. III, April 1976

35

Underpinning

Underpinning by
Steel Pile with
Bracket
Pile can be augered or
driven

36

FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and

Underpinning, V. III, April 1976

18

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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

Appropriate for a wide range of ground conditions

Suitable for low headroom and restricted access

Low noise and vibration

Can penetrate obstacles

Source: Hayward Baker, Inc..

37

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.

38
FHWA-RD-75-130, Lateral Support Systems and Underpinning, V. III, 1976

19

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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.

39

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

40
Hayward Baker, Inc.

20

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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

41
Hayward Baker, Inc.

Underpinning

Typical Grouted Micropile Construction

Detail next

42

FEMA 547

21

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning

Grouted Micropile Connection Details

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

43

FEMA 547

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

44

Hayward Baker, Inc.

22

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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

45

Hayward Baker, Inc.

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

46

Hayward Baker, Inc.

High capacity rock anchors with corrosion protection

23

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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
47

Hayward Baker, Inc.

Underpinning
Example: Minipiles
for Repair of
Settlement, Contd

48

Hayward Baker, Inc.

24

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Underpinning
Example: Minipiles for Repair
of Settlement, Contd

Hayward Baker, Inc.

49

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

50

Solid Earth Technologies, Inc.

25

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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

51

Hayward Baker, Inc. and Atlas Systems, Inc.

Enlarging Footings

Enlarging Existing Footings

52
FEMA 547

26

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Enlarging Footings

Some Assumptions in Widening Footings

Idealized model with uniform pressure

53

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

Enlarging Footings

Assumptions in Widening Foundations, Contd

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

54
After Poul Beckmann, Structural Aspects of Building Conservation, McGraw-Hill Intl, London, 1995

27

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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)

55
After Poul Beckmann, Structural Aspects of Building Conservation, McGraw-Hill Intl, London, 1995

Enlarging Footings

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

56

28

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Enlarging Footings
Widening Rubble Foundations, Contd

Cut into existing foundation

Alternate the hooks
Corrosion-resistant coating?

57

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

58

29

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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.

59

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)

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?

60

30

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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

61

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

62
FEMA 547

31

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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

63

Hayward Baker, Inc.

Soil Improvement

Chemical Grouting, Contd

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

64
Hayward Baker, Inc.

32

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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

65

Hayward Baker, Inc.

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

66
Hayward Baker, Inc.

33

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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)

67

Hayward Baker, Inc.

Section Showing Zone Of Stabilized Soil Beneath Footing

Soil Improvement
Example: Chemical Grouting, Contd

68

Grouting Operations Underway Showing Grout Pipe Locations and

Chemical Grout Storage Tanker

Hayward Baker, Inc.

34

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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.

69

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

70

Hayward Baker, Inc.

35

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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.

71

Hayward Baker, Inc.

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.

72

Hayward Baker, Inc.

36

Alexander Newman, P.E.

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

73

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

Q&A
Alexander Newman, PE
Exponent Failure Analysis Associates,
Natick, MA
(508) 652-8500
anewman@exponent.com
74

37

Alexander Newman, P.E.

Live P.E. Exam Review Courses, Fall 2010

ASCE's live P.E. Exam Review Courses on the web will assist ASCE members and other
civil engineers in preparing for the P.E. Exams. Three review courses are offered :
P.E.

Civil Exam
Environmental Exam
P.E. Structural I Exam
P.E.

In addition, a special Seismic Review webinar is available.

Pay a single site registration fee and an unlimited number of people in your organization can attend at
that site.
For more information and registration visit http://www.asce.org/Content.aspx?id=89
75

P.E. Environmental Exam Review

Course Dates

Course Topics

Mon., Aug. 23
Mon., Aug. 30
Mon., Sept. 13
Mon., Sept. 20
Mon., Sept. 27
Mon., Oct. 4

Air Quality
Waste Water Treatment
Hazardous Waste
Storm Water
Environment Assessment
Water Resources

For more information and registration visit

https://secure.asce.org/ASCEWebSite/WEBINAR/ListWebinarDetail.aspx?ProdId=16629

76

38

Alexander Newman, P.E.

P.E. Structural I Exam

Course Dates
Wed., Aug. 25
Wed., Sept. 1
Wed., Sept. 8
Wed., Sept. 15
Wed., Sept. 22
Wed., Sept. 29

Course Topics
Structural Analysis
Masonry Design
Concrete Design
Steel Design
Timber Design
Bridge Design

In addition, we will present a Seismic Review course on August 18.

For more information and registration visit

https://secure.asce.org/ASCEWebSite/WEBINAR/ListWebinarDetail.aspx?ProdId=16626

77

P. E. Civil Exam Review, 12-Part Series

Course Dates

Course Topics

Tuesday, Aug. 24
Thursday, Aug. 26
Tuesday, Aug. 31
Thursday, Sept. 2
Tuesday, Sept. 7
Thursday, Sept. 9
Tuesday, Sept. 14
Thursday, Sept. 16
Tuesday, Sept. 21
Thursday, Sept. 23
Tuesday, Sept. 28
Thursday, Sept. 30

Structural Analysis
Strength of Materials
Geometric Design
Concrete Design
Soil Mechanics
Foundation Engineering
Hydraulics
Hydrology
Steel Design
Waste & Water Treatment
Construction Materials
Construction Management

For more information and registration visit

https://secure.asce.org/ASCEWebSite/WEBINAR/ListWebinarDetail.aspx?ProdId=16627

78

39

Alexander Newman, P.E.

P. E. Civil Exam Review, Three Depth

Sessions
Course Dates

Course Topics

Tue., Oct. 5
Wed., Oct. 6

Traffic Engineering
Geotechnical

Thru., Oct. 7

Water Resources

For more information and registration visit

https://secure.asce.org/ASCEWebSite/WEBINAR/ListWebinarDetail.aspx?ProdId=16632

79

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