Hierarchy of Assessment, what is our process?

At Suoloconsulting we follow a simple hierarchy for site assessment and the selection of efficient foundation solutions –

1.       Can simple pad or strip foundations and ground bearing slabs be justified without resorting for a more heavily engineered solution? What are the bearing pressures applied to the foundations, and what level of settlement can be tolerated? In many cases the bearing pressure recommendations provided in a GIR are based on simple rules of thumb and detailed calculations can demonstrate acceptable settlements at higher bearing pressures, particular for smaller foundation sizes.

2.       Can flexible ground improvement methods such as Vibro Stone Columns be used to improve the strength and stiffness characteristics of the shallow soils, to enable the use of lightly reinforced shallow foundations and ground bearing slabs?

3.       Can less flexible ground improvement methods such as Rigid Inclusions be used in combination with a load transfer platform?

4.       Where ground improvement methods have to be discounted, owing to either the ground conditions, loading requirements, or strict settlement criteria, what is the most technically appropriate and cost efficient deep piled foundation solution? 

5.       Can design and cost efficiencies be realised in the selected deep foundation solution, through an appropriate regime of pre-construction testing to facilitate design optimisation?

By taking this approach, we aim to arrive at a technically appropriate, commercially viable solution, with lowest possible embodied carbon.

At Suoloconsulting we have many years of experience assessing site investigation reports and proposing efficient foundation solutions.

Come and speak to us at suoloconsulting@gmail.com

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