Foundation Failure Investigation and Repair

Alpha Adroit Engineering Ltd provides forensic geotechnical engineering expertise, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), and materials testing services for foundation failure investigations and repair in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Projects in Alaska, Iceland, Greenland, Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Newfoundland, and Labrador would be considered based on the project's merits and Alpha Adroit's unique advantages. Please contact us hereif you have any inquiries.

Foundation problems may appear in many shapes and forms such as cracking, settlement, heave, swelling, sinkhole formation, shallow or deep isolated or connected cavity formation, caving soils, general subsidence, ground collapse, foundation disintegration, loss of bearing capacity, seepage and leakage. Other issues may include vibrations, tilting and distortion of foundations and super-structure, localized slope failure or massive landslide, ground loss (due to active tunneling, existing tunnels, or abandoned underground mining), softening and deterioration of soil strength, and more.

More commonly, the failure or malfunction of foundations may lead to cracking, differential vertical and horizontal deformation, and distortion of the building superstructure and loss of structural integrity. If allowed to continue unchecked, the building may become unusable; may lead to catastrophic failure, damage to public or private property, death or injury of occupants or passerby, and other consequential damages, and it may need to be demolished. Early detection of issues and utilizing remedial measure are expected to prevent or minimize such damages.

Careful investigation of ground conditions (geotechnical engineering) and the defects is required to determine the actual cause of the movements to decide what method can or should be used as a remedial or preventive measure. 

Common Foundation Repair Measures

Some of the commonly used remedial and preventative measures for foundation repair projects include:

— Mud jacking
—Underpinning
—Deep and shallow grouting (structural grouting, consolidation grouting, sealing grouting, and chemical grouting)
—Water barriers and drainage systems
—Basement and foundation wall repair
—Soil improvement and stabilization
—Artificial ground freezing
—Other innovative methods

Geotechnical Engineering Analysis and Design Requirements

It could be very costly and frustrating to use a repair method without conducting proper geotechnical engineering (soil engineering) to investigate and design the remedial/repair measure properly. Hence, conducting forensic geotechnical engineering to investigate the cause and extent of the issues shall be an integral part of any foundation repair project. Selection and evaluation of repair options may also depend on available documentation, available technology, the urgency of the circumstances, risks, and available budget.

Alpha Adroit Engineering Ltd provides foundation engineering, material testing, advanced geotechnical engineering, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), and forensic engineering expertise for foundation failure investigation and repair projects throughout Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan in Canada. Alpha Adroit offers services to international locations (particularly the Middle East) through its headquarters and advanced laboratories in Edmonton, Alberta. Projects in Alaska, Iceland, Greenland, Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Newfoundland, and Labrador would be considered based on the project's merits and Alpha Adroit's unique advantages. Please contact us here for any inquiries.

 

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