There are many different components involved in the process of laying a new foundation, and it is the responsibility of a groundworker to ensure that the site is suitable for the proposed construction. Groundworks is a commercial application that is carried out in order to prepare the subsurface soil, such as clearing the site and installing drainage. Here at Rhino Piling, we also offer a pre-fabricated steel cage installation service, preparation for slabs and the installation of concrete slabs as well as power floating. Read on as we go over the steps that are typically undertaken during groundworks…
Stage One: Conducting an Evaluation
As a legal requirement, it’s important that a full on-site evaluation is conducted prior to the commence of any construction work. During groundworks, this helps to identify any issues that may affect the finished foundation and ensure that the soil is in a suitable enough condition to undergo the proposed plan. During this time, new methods may be proposed or the original method may need to be adapted depending on the findings.
Stage Two: Installing the Foundations
After this, the site can be cleared by removing the topsoil and leveling the ground. The groundworks team will then turn their attention to the design and construction of the substructure and this could include excavations and the reinforcement of existing foundations. Retaining walls are often put into place during groundworks and are made from concrete, stone or blocks; these help to strengthen the load bearing capacity of the foundation. The purpose of this part of the process is to ensure that the finished foundation that goes on top is able to support the overall structure, whether it be a residential house or a commercial building. After all of these steps have been undertaken, the piling team can start to install shallow or deep foundations as per the projects’ needs and soil capabilities. In most circumstances, deep foundational solutions like piling are determined to be the most effective.
Stage Three: Landscaping
The final part of the process involves ensuring that there are no unsightly messes left behind on the site. Landscaping is usually carried out for residential projects or as a part of driveway foundations as these often specify a need for aesthetics, however it is generally in the groundworks teams’ best interest to ensure that all foundations are completely submerged under the soil in order to guarantee full foundational support and maintain the clients’ aesthetical expectations.
Groundworks are often seen as a commercial approach to foundations, however more and more homeowners are starting to consider the benefits of deep foundations as opposed to shallow foundations. As such, there is nothing preventing groundworks being applied to a residential project too. Get in contact with the best piling Mancester has to offer to discuss your options with a member of the Rhino Piling team today.
