When considering foundation design, our experienced engineers understand the loading of the structure and the ground that will support it and utilise a variety of techniques to interface the two.
Adequate foundations are imperative for every structure and are also the highest risk area for a development as there is limited control over ground conditions. In order to determine the most economical choice of foundation, ground conditions should be checked via a site investigation. Choice of foundations is then made based on the constraints imposed by the ground conditions and the type & weight of the structure. As development land becomes more scarce, brownfield sites are regularly chosen. As these sites may have been developed numerous times, ground conditions can be very variable, requiring special foundations to overcome specific problems such as deep made ground, legacy coal mining issues and contamination.
Services include:
Site Investigations
The site investigation is the bedrock on which good engineering design is based. It determines the environmental and geotechnical characteristics of the site, allowing detailed design of foundations, superstructures and remediation to occur.
Foundation Loading Analysis
Met Engineers use 2D & 3D analysis software to distribute building loads to foundations.
Traditional Foundations
Simple foundations are the most cost effective. Where ever ground conditions and building loads will allow, Met Engineers will opt for simple traditional foundations.
Tree Influence
In cohesive soils, trees can cause significant foundation problems if not adequately considered. Met Engineers understand these factors and design accordingly.
Special Foundations
Met can design special foundations to suit poor ground conditions. These include piles, rafts, reinforced earth and vibro-treatment.
For grouting steeply sloping sites, Met will consider spread, piled or anchored foundations with integral retaining structures.
Basements
Basements and often utilised for underground parking, storage or additional living or office space to maximise the use of land on a site. This use of space also doubles up as a very robust foundation. Met Engineers are able to advise a design team when a development is suitable and would benefit from this option.
Underpinning
Integrating a new and existing development occasionally requires a modification to existing foundations. Careful detailing and analysis is necessary to undertake this complex procedure.