Foundations & Footings
Foundations
There is no reason to be complacent about setting out foundations, as getting things wrong is all too easy. It could end up costing you extra to fill additional trenches with concrete, which would require additional resources. Depending on the soil conditions and the design of the building, as well as the number of masonry courses in the walls, the proper thickness will be determined.
The strip foundation is often used in softer soils such as sand, in order to distribute the load over a larger area. A foundation dug in rock or stony terrain is often shallower than one dug in “shrinkable” soil such as clay. A foundation dug in clay should be at least one meter deep. A foundation is an essential first step toward your extension, so you will need to make sure that it is laid out according to the architect’s approved plans.
When your foundations have been outlined and assessed, you have two choices of how they can be achieved. A trench fill foundation is the preferred method for most homes, since there is no need to lay bricks below ground. Concrete can be poured up to 150mm below the top of the ground using the pour level method, saving time and money. Those with clay and chalk soils may have a desire for a concrete foundation, but those with unstable ground might not have the desire.
Every house needs a foundation so that its walls are protected from sinking into the ground if the earth moves naturally during the changing seasons.
Footings
Building footings are typically used with shallow foundations. Building footings consist of brickwork, concrete, or masonry, which are positioned beneath walls and columns to distribute their load.
The ground is connected to the superstructure via its foundation, allowing the gravitational load to be transferred. There are shallow foundations and deep foundations. In addition to the type and size of the superstructure, our groundwork contractors take into consideration the soil type as well.
Domestic, commercial and industrial clients can depend on MPC Groundworks for all aspects of digging footings and preparing trenches and building foundations. We have developed trench digging and footing solutions for a wide range of projects for some of the UK’s largest companies.
In addition to providing equipment, skilled labour, and additional equipment, the company provides trenching services. Cutting trenching costs significantly can be accomplished by utilizing modern equipment and expert operatives while maintaining the highest level of quality.
MPC Groundworks has worked on a variety of excavation projects ranging from large scale commercial, retail and industrial schemes to small domestic sewer and drainage pipelines.