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Foundations and Floor Slabs

When required by the client G&J's Phase II Site Investigation reports will include preliminary foundation and floor slab recommendations. If this investigation revealed or confirmed the presence of specific hazards then recommendations for targeted further investigation will be made to allow more detailed foundation design as required. 

Foundations for a garage on a brownfield site
Cracks in a wall and concrete slab associated with ground subsidence
Shallow reinforced strip foundations for a proposed house over improved Made Ground

How can G&J help with your foundation designs?

A Phase II Site Investigation report for a proposed development, with a geotechnical component, will typically include:​

 

  • Anticipated minimum foundation depths based on factors including the presence of Made Ground and other unsuitable strata, the type(s) of suitable founding strata present including their volume change potential and strength, the types and proximity of trees present, the presence of otherwise of groundwater, and the details of any proposed development;

  • Recommended foundation types e.g. trench-fill, shallow strip, reinforced strip on engineered fill, pads, piles;

  • Likely allowable bearing pressures at the anticipated founding depths;

  • Recommended ground floor slab types, including any need for heave protection and gas protection measures.


 

 

In addition to the above 'foundation report' we can also provide the following for proposed developments:

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  • Foundation zone plans to show where on a site different types of foundation (e.g. strip, trench-fill or piles) may be required;

  • Tree influence drawings (subject to the provision of a topographical survey and suitable tree survey, both of which can by arranged by G&J if needed) to show where proposed foundations will need to be deepened;

  • Targeted ground investigations and soil desiccation assessments, especially in areas where the tree influence suggests that foundations deeper than 2.5m may be required. Such an assessment may show than excessively deepened or piled foundations are not necessary.
     

 

 

If an existing structure is showing possible signs of subsidence let us know and we can assess the potential causes (probably involving a site visit and some 'desktop' research) and then, if considered necessary, carry-out an appropriate ground investigation to allow for suitable and cost-effective remedial works to be arranged. Possible causes of subsidence can include the effects of tree influence, shrinking/swelling clays, inadequate foundations for the underlying ground conditions, the presence of soft or variable strata, and the presence of mine workings or other geohazards.

What other foundation related hazard assessments can G&J carry out?

What about subsidence?

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