Reparação de fundações | uma visão geral detalhada

Foundation repair | a detailed overview

June 6, 2024 Roberto Magalhães

Foundation repair should be done depending on the degree of damage to the foundation. To some extent we can observe the state of the foundation. If the situation worsens, we may have to resolve it.

In the early stages, we may see signs of foundation damage through cracks in partitions such as brick walls. At this stage we will address this issue and examine how brick walls crack.

It is necessary to investigate whether the crack is a thermal crack, a crack due to foundation settlement or a crack due to foundation failure and the cause of the crack formation is known.

What are the main reasons for foundation failures or cracks?

Causes of Foundation Damage

The following can be highlighted as causes:

Excessive liquidation of the foundation
Foundation differential settlement
Foundation Consolidation Agreement
Deterioration of the foundation due to adverse environmental conditions, such as chloride attack, sulfate attack, etc.
Expansive soil conditions

How to identify foundation damage or cracks

This can be identified by the warnings provided. Thus, the repair of the house's foundation can be carried out after the damage has been accurately identified.

Cracks in partitions such as brick walls
Excessive settlement of buildings
Formation of the space between the ground and the slab
Cracks in structural elements

Foundation Failure Methods

The foundation may fail structurally or geotechnically.

Structural failure is caused by structural damage to the foundation and geotechnical failure is caused by failure of the soil or supporting subgrade.

When a foundation fails, cracks in the foundation become visible first. A careful inspection allows us to find foundation cracks and then perform foundation crack repair.

In summary, here we discuss foundation crack repair and provide additional support and soil improvement methods to prevent foundation damage.

When choosing the foundation repair method, special attention should be paid to the cost of foundation repair.

Foundation repair

The type of defect is crucial in selecting the appropriate foundation repair method.

sealant

One of the most common repair methods in construction. It is not limited to the foundation, but can also be used to repair other types of defects.

To repair cracks that appear on the surface of the foundation, sealant crack repair methods are used. Furthermore, the crack should not be so large that it could cause damage to the foundation. Cracks in the foundation can only be repaired under the guidance of a recognized civil engineer.

First, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned
Prepare the edges of the crack and clean the crack
Depending on the type of crack, we can use a filling rod.
Then apply the sealant.

Steel Pillars

Although steel is considered a corrosive material, it can last a long time if the correct construction is used. Steel pillars properly treated against corrosion can be used to strengthen the foundation in case of possible failures.

Furthermore, it should be noted that sufficient oxygen and moisture are the key to steel corrosion. Insufficient oxygen underground can also delay the steel corrosion process.

The use of steel pillars to support the foundation should be done in consultation with a reputable civil engineer.

Poured concrete pillars

If additional support is needed to maintain the stability of the foundation, concrete piers can be used.

This is a cast-in-place concrete pillar that can be erected at appropriate locations as needed to support the structure. In general, the depth of the dock can be in the range of 1.5 to 3 m. The depth is determined according to the nature of the soil.

The diameter of the cast concrete column can be determined based on the applied loads. It is usually around 300mm. Furthermore, the diameter of the pillar at the bottom can be increased to achieve high bearing pressure.

Bell Concrete Pillars

They fulfill the same function as cast concrete pillars. The behavior of both is similar.

The model of this pier resembles a bell and hence gave it its name.

We can construct the bell-shaped concrete columns in the same way as the cast concrete columns, and a reinforcing cage is provided according to the static requirements.

Plate lifting

If any part of the structure has a problem, we can resolve that specific area and maintain the stability of the structure. In this situation, if the slab is properly designed, we can raise it to stabilize the structure.

The plate is supported to control the vertical movement of the structure. To proceed with this method, the panel must have sufficient structural capacity.

These types of foundation repair methods are a little difficult to apply and are also not a foundation repair method. It is a method for creating alternative load paths.

The above methods can be used mainly when repairing house foundations. Ground improvement can also be done instead of foundation repair. For more information, see the article Supporting the Art of Foundation Repair.

Another method of soil improvement as an alternative to foundation repair.

Improving the foundation through grouting

The following methods can be adopted.

Cement grouting
Chimeric injection
Blasting process
Compaction injections

These methods are most useful when dealing with granular soils. Therefore, the use of these methods depends on Soil Types When choosing these methods, it is also important to consider the cost of foundation repairs.

Additionally, other major foundation repairs can also be performed. In these situations, pile foundation methods can be used when the structure is subject to higher loads.

driven piles
Pile of jackets
Smaller diameter cuttings
Root cuttings and root network cuttings
Leaky batteries

One of these types of foundations may be present in the existing structure. Therefore, building piles can be difficult, but depending on the type of structure and needs, we can adopt a suitable method to improve the foundation.