Garden Wall Foundation Problem - Photo Added 13/10/06

[Sandy Beech]

Hi

My son has had the ground at the side of his house excavated to what the previous owner told him was the original level of the ground. On the house (well garage) side this seems correct as it merely goes down to two bricks below the damp proof course. On the side adjacent to the boundary wall however this is not so. The ground level is now 12 to 18 inches below the level of the bottom of the wall foundations (ribbon). These are about 18 inches in depth and of a good width. Also they seem in good order being laid upon a bed of hardcore. The wall is only about 2 foot 6 inches at most; built of concrete blocks with a imitation stone effect face (built during the '50's).

I have pointed out that he needs to get some substantial underpinning in and fast. Can anyone advise the best way to do this and does it need to be continuous or would it be possible to have a pillar type support cast in place every so far along?

Not explaining this well I accept but willing to answer any Q's. The other side of the wall is the pavement. Am back there on Thursday so could take pics if this would help?

Thanks guys
__________________
Alex

 

[noseall]

. Also they seem in good order being laid upon a bed of hardcore.

Thanks guys
__________________
Alex

foundation concrete laid on a bed of hard core? sounds a wee bit suspect.

look forward to seeing the photo's.

 

[ModernMaterials]

i have a question.....why are you digging in the first place

and are there any cracks in any buildings...

 

[Sandy Beech]

i have a question.....why are you digging in the first place

and are there any cracks in any buildings...

To accomodate a caravan. He was told by the previous owner that they used to have a carport at the side of the garage which extended to he base of the wall - sadly thi snow seems to not have been correct.

The foundations exposed are of a boundary wall not the house or garage - the garage is a full 12 plus feet away and the foundations are well below the level to which he has exposed (see above).

 

[Sandy Beech]

. Also they seem in good order being laid upon a bed of hardcore.

Thanks guys
__________________
Alex

foundation concrete laid on a bed of hard core? sounds a wee bit suspect.

look forward to seeing the photo's.

Hi NA - I may be incorrect in saying there is hardcore below the foundation will check later today. Sadly we will now not get there until after dark.

 

[Sandy Beech]

Hi sorry it has taken so long.

Here is the photo of the wall and the exposed foundation. I really do need some advice on how he can make this stable and fit to hold up the wall. NB The other side of the wall is the pavement and my concern is that this may become unstable.

 

[noseall]

i suppose your main concern is to prevent soil erosion directly below the concrete level?

a cheap and cheerful way is to dig a channel, and concrete some vertical slabs in front of the wall, leaning them back slightly towards the wall, filling any void left with concrete.

or just build a new wall in front of the existing, if you have room.