Building on ‘Bad Ground’: Foundations for Difficult Sites

All builders dream of a stable and flat plot with a well-behaved ground type. In some instances, this type of dreamland is available for purchase and makes for a comparatively easy process for establishing the foundations and building the structure. Other times, the ground is uneven, too soft or too hard, not stable, or on a large slant.

Faced with such obstacles, it would be easy to judge the whole project to be impossible or grit your teeth and accept that it is going to be expensive. Fortunately, with modern screw piling Central Coast, there is often an affordable solution that can handle the most challenging of ground types.

In this article, we will outline the challenges of ‘bad ground’ and what you can do about them.

Why is the risk of challenging ground types increasing?

Several factors make it more likely than in the past, that builder will have to contend with challenging soil types.

The suburbs continue to expand outwards into new areas that have not yet been developed. Sometimes this is on relatively flat land that has been sold or rezoned, but it can also be on the challenging ground that was originally overlooked in favour of easier ground.

Technology was more rudimentary back in the day, and while modern technology is capable of establishing a maximally strong foundation on these soil types, it does require the builder to partner well with the right subcontractors, such as Screw Piling Sydney Professionals.

Furthermore, the simple blocks are often occupied already. The easiest land may have already been selected. This can mean that it is the more challenging land that is then available to the builders of today – such as land that is unstable or uneven or rocky.

The growth of luxury homes is another reason why complex foundations are necessary more and more regularly. People want homes that are by the beach, with a sandy surface; or homes that are in the mountains, with a lovely view, but with an uneven and slanted ground surface. This has given rise to a trend of builders partnering with screw piling experts to meet the need for their luxury home developments.

Recent flooding events have also been influential in motivating some developers to seek higher ground. This higher ground may be safer and can easily be developed but that may require a partnership with a screw piling subcontractor, such as the Piling Experts.

The value of versatility when it comes to building and construction.

Ultimately, it can be hard to anticipate in advance what sort of ground conditions you will be contending with. It is essential to undertake the necessary tests and assessments with an engineering team, and doing so before purchase if this can be arranged, can help you to go into the process with open eyes.

Often a large amount of testing will come after purchase and may be carried out with your subcontractors in connection with their particular specialty. For example, we will assess the ground before installation, and the performance of screw piles after installation with tests including dynamic load testing, static load testing for screw pilings, and pile integrity testing for bored piles.

Some types of foundations are more versatile than others. Screw piling is perhaps the most versatile method of establishing a foundation within the Australian building and construction industry. By partnering with a screw piling contractor who specialises in screw piling in Newcastle, you can rest assured that they will have a solution for the job at hand, that is cost-effective and clearly explained and articulated to the contractor.

The benefits of partnering with a screw piling subcontractor aren’t limited to versatility. Other benefits of partnering with a screw piling subcontractor include:

• Screw piling requires minimal excavation.
• Screw piling can operate in small and hard-to-access spaces.
• Screw piling requires less of a clean-up effort.
• Screw piling is one of the most rapid methods for establishing a strong foundation.

Tell me more about the Piling Experts

Piling Experts is a family-owned business. Two best friends, Ramy and Hany, are at the helm. They are both hands-on and passionate about their work, determined to provide clients happiness through quality service that revolves around client satisfaction.

Our screw piling Sydney service involves five full-time teams working across New South Wales, with e excavator sizes from 1.5 tons up to 24 tons available for any job big or small.

For more information on our services, you can browse our website. For any questions, you may have, or to arrange screw piling Sydney, contact the Piling Experts at 0411 693 100 or info@pilingexperts.com.au.