Jilly Posted July 23, 2019 Share Posted July 23, 2019 We are deciding how to manage two structural walls with subsidence on our stable conversion. They are block, and the structural engineer recommended that we could underpin and keep fingers crossed, or micro pile. Builder imported for his advice advised that rather than underpin, it would be cheaper to support the wall, pile the foundations and then use timber walls. The roof is being replaced due to ugly internal trusses. What are your collective opinions on these suggestions and for the replacement structural walls? They all have to be clad in black timber, and there will only be one original wall remaining when we have finished, rather like Trigger's broom. The council have indicated that reuse rather than demolition is their local policy, so I have decided to stay with that option as I have so many other battles. Sigh. One step forward, two back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temp Posted July 23, 2019 Share Posted July 23, 2019 Typically the ground conditions dictate the design of type and size of foundations. When designing a new house on suspect ground, the first step would be to get a ground condition report done. That involves digging some holes and pushing instruments into the ground to measure its load bearing capability. That data can be given to an SE to use to design the foundations. Why did the SE say "underpin and keep fingers crossed"? Underpinning works well if the ground is suitable. If he thinks it might not be then perhaps best get it checked out. See what others here say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temp Posted July 23, 2019 Share Posted July 23, 2019 (edited) What does your planning consent say? Convert or knock down and rebuild? If its convert then you can't just knock all the walls down and rebuild them as that would breech your planning consent. Edited July 23, 2019 by Temp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeSharp01 Posted July 23, 2019 Share Posted July 23, 2019 We used micro screw piles to strengthen existing walls for our extension they have worked brilliantly for the last 17 years the new walls, which are brick / block needed 3m deep foundations! So I would look hard at screw pilling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilly Posted July 24, 2019 Author Share Posted July 24, 2019 (edited) We've had a soil survey done, loads of clay. He was meaning if we preferred underpinning to piling, then we have to chop down the offending trees and wait 6 months for heave, to see how the building responds. It's not an exact scent. Piles are a more reliable fix in the presence of trees and clay. No we don't have permission for demolition, but as I understand it, the entire thing could be replaced, but must never come down all at the same time... Edited July 24, 2019 by Jilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simplysimon Posted July 24, 2019 Share Posted July 24, 2019 digger swings round and oops, sorry. we'll rebuild as it was with proper foundations. happens all the time. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Punter Posted July 25, 2019 Share Posted July 25, 2019 If it is just concrete block demolish looks the most sensible way forward. I would not be keen on a "fingers crossed" approach when investing so much money. Get a properly designed solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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