The Basics of Basement Excavation
Digging a basement under an existing home entails a lot of construction work. It’s also a sizable investment, and homeowners should speak to their homeowner’s insurance agent to see how much the project will bump up their premium.
Several excavation methods are available. From sloped open cuts that don’t require retaining walls to cantilever open cut excavation, each method offers different benefits.
Site Preparation
Site preparation is the first step in any construction project. It involves clearing and leveling the area where your building will be constructed. This includes removing trees and vegetation, underground infrastructure and buildings, and rock. It also involves removing any obstructions that might cause problems during construction.
One of the most important factors in determining which excavation method to use is the topography of the land. A steep slope will require a different construction method than a flat piece of ground.
The open cut method of basement excavation offers a number of options, from sloped open cuts that don’t require retaining walls to cantilevered open cuts that do. Regardless of which construction method you choose, a temporary support system must be in place to prevent the basement walls from collapsing.
Excavation
The excavation phase involves digging out the basement area for construction. It is typically done when building on a site with limited space or to lower foundations for better access to underground utilities. This phase requires careful planning to ensure workers’ safety and the stability of the structure.
A professional excavation service will have specialised grip equipment for trenching and other excavation services. They will also provide a timeline for the excavation process and work around any weather or other contingencies that might delay the project.
Basements are more expensive to construct than other types of foundation, but they offer superior stability and a variety of options for storage. They can be constructed using a variety of methods, including the open-cut slope method and bracing.
Wall Construction
Once the excavation is complete a slab of concrete is constructed that forms the floor of your basement. The slab is built using a specialized form of concrete that can be used for constructing foundations, floors and walls.
After the slab is built, a temporary support system is installed. This can be made up of timber or steel props, sheet piles or shotcrete. Once the shoring is completed, the excavation of the next level can begin.
Basements are by far the most popular type of foundation in Colorado, especially here along the front range. While they do cost more than other types of foundations, they provide a lot of added value to homes with finished living space and storage. They also comply with frost mitigation requirements.
Shoring
Sheeting and shoring are two important techniques used to ensure safety for workers and safeguard the walls of an excavation. While sheeting is primarily employed for soil retention and preventing soil movement, shoring offers structural support and stability.
Shoring can be configured in various ways to suit a particular excavation site. Open-cut slope methods, for example, offer some of the lowest excavating costs since they create an excavation area with walls that form a downward slope (excess dirt is later layered on top).
Timber shoring uses horizontal timber boards, known as walers and struts, to support the excavation wall. It can also be configured as soldier piles and lagging, which use vertical concrete or steel beams called soldier piles and horizontal timber planks known as lagging to support the walls.
Finishing
The finishing phase is when your basement really starts taking shape. Your builder will install the walls, plumbing and heating systems, and any other fixtures that require a foundation. This is also when the foundation itself gets constructed.
Slab Construction
Once the basement excavation is complete, a reinforced concrete slab is constructed to serve as the base for your build. This is often done in sections so that it can cure before the next section is excavated.
Shoring
This step involves shoreing up the basement walls using a temporary support system, like bracing or anchors. This ensures that your building can withstand the weight of the structure above it.
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