Underpinning and Strengthening of Foundations

*Open only to Central Ohio Section Members
*Seating is limited to the first 25 people
*Bring your own lunch

Purpose and Background
Many renovation projects involve strengthening of foundations. Whenever an increase in gravity loading or a lateral load retrofit is proposed, foundation strengthening is likely to follow. Underpinning, the lowering or enlarging an existing foundation, is a basic technique of foundation strengthening. Underpinning of existing foundations is particularly common when new construction occurs nearby.

There are few standards dealing with strengthening of foundations, and many designers are looking for some relevant references. Whether you are one of them, or simply want to validate the practices that your firm follows, this webinar will help. The objective of this webinar is to provide a concise yet practical primer on foundation strengthening and underpinning practices in the United States. The presentation offers a broad overview of everyday challenges associated with this work, supplemented by a host of practical design details and several case studies.

The webinar begins with an overview of the reasons foundations require strengthening. After explaining the basic philosophy of foundation strengthening and underpinning, the instructor examines the available approaches in detail. The first one is an often overlooked but typically cost-effective method of adding structural supports in lieu of strengthening existing foundations. Next on the agenda is shoring and replacement of foundations with larger or deeper ones, followed by other techniques.

The largest webinar segment is devoted to underpinning, including both the pit variety and the various methods using drilled piers, micropiles, and proprietary piers. The webinar concludes with final questions and answers from the audience.

RSVP to Jill.Radspieler@WDPartners.com by Monday, January 5, 2015.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn various methods of strengthening building foundations
• Understand where pit underpinning might be appropriate and where other strengthening methods should be more useful
• Examine the available techniques for strengthening rubble foundations
• Find out how minipiles and proprietary piers can help strengthen foundations
• Learn about the modern methods of soil improvement that can be used in lieu of the conventional underpinning techniques

Intended Audience
Structural and civil engineers and other design and construction professionals seeking to learn about underpinning and strengthening of foundations will benefit from this webinar.

Webinar Outline

• Introduction: Why strengthen foundations
• General approach and methods
• Adding supports
• Shoring and replacement
• Underpinning
• - Pit underpinning
• - Using drilled piers, minipiles, proprietary piers
• Enlarging footings
• Other strengthening topics
• Modifying soil properties
• Conclusion

See the ASCE website for more info.

The Central Ohio Section of ASCE sponsors free continuing education webinars as a service to our members. These webinars are produced by ASCE and normally cost $250 or $300 for ASCE members. However, the Central Ohio Section is paying the registration fee and inviting any interested section members to attend for free. Just RSVP by the deadline. Seating is limited, so do not delay.

You can see the complete list of webinars available from ASCE National on their website. If you see one you like, let us know. If you and your company would like to host one, let us know that too. If you open it up to any interested Central Ohio ASCE section members to come, we will pay the registration fee.