Foundation wells: mechanical and manual

The mechanically excavated foundation well is the traditionally used foundation technique. To avoid ground stress, a foundation well may not be excavated under the phreatic zone. We create the foundation well up to the load-bearing earth layer.

How are foundation wells made?

  1. A hydraulic digger’s round grab excavates the foundation well.
  2. Depending on the soil type, we install steel casing to support the pit wall. This is always done with soil with poor cohesion. The casing diameter is the same as that of the grab and varies from one to two metres.
  3. We subsequently concrete the pit using a concrete pump or directly from the concrete mixer.
  4. We recover the casing during the concreting operation.
  5. After concreting, it is possible to provide connecting reinforcement for later structures. No other reinforcement is required.

Advantages of foundation wells?

  • A foundation well is a cheap and traditional foundation technique.
  • Thanks to the large diameter of the well foundation, large loads and structures can be supported.

Limitations of foundation wells?

  • This foundation technique cannot be used under the phreatic zone. Foundation wells can only be constructed in dry soil.
  • The foundation well depth is limited to the digger’s reach.
  • The excavation process may reduce soil stress, so this foundation technique may not be used next to existing buildings or structures.

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