Rockingham Gate

Abbey Pynford were instructed by the NHBC to complete a design and build underpinning scheme which consisted of a Piled Raft Underpinning project in Bushey. Existing clay ground conditions caused significant heave to the existing building once the existing ground strata became saturated causing the clay to swell and heave the building up.

Abbey Pynford’s design and build directive was to divorce the property from its existing foundations whilst ensuring the structural stability of the building during the construction of an entirely new foundation.

Prior to Abbey Pynford arriving on site, the house was completely stripped  leaving only a shell in order for the programme to commence. The use of a specialist mini piling rig facilitated access throughout the building with the ability to fit through standard door openings. The first operation was to install 200mm R.C auger bored piles. This involved creating a bore approximately 12m deep and then installing steel reinforcement prior to placing concrete.

The following work was completed in two halves to ensure safety of the structure.

Specially designed stainless steel props were installed to support the load bearing walls and subsequently encased with polystyrene to ensure efficient removal at a later date  Clay board was laid to create a voided area to allow future heave and swelling of the existing soils without affecting the new concrete raft installed above. This was constructed in accordance with Abbey Pynford in house design using layers of reinforcement prior to the concrete being poured. A stop end was used to ensure a professional finish and to ensure work on the second area was unaffected by concrete spillage.

Having left the concrete to gain strength for approximately 7 days the props encased with polystyrene were removed allowing the building to sit entirely on its new foundation. Any empty pockets had clay board inserted and  were filled with concrete to complete the works.

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