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DIN 4123 - Excavations, foundations and underpinning in the area

existing buildings

September 2000
(MBl. Nds. No. 13 of 28.04.2004 p. 251)

Replacement for DIN 4123:1972-05

Replaced byDIN 4123 version May 2011

Publication: MBl. Nds. No. 13 of 28.04.2004 p. 251

Foreword

This standard was developed by the Construction Standards Committee of the DIN German
Institute for Standardization (DIN), Working Committee 05.14.00 "Underpinnings".

Excavations and foundation work adjacent to existing buildings, as well as

underpinning of building sections, require thorough and careful planning,
preparation, and execution. Therefore, only specialists and companies with the
necessary knowledge and experience and who can ensure flawless execution may
plan and execute these works.

Changes

The following changes have been made compared to DIN 4123:1972-05:

a. The title has been changed.

b. The standard has been restructured.
c. Figure 3 has been newly included in the standard.
d. The normative references have been updated.
e. Some passages have been reworded or revised to avoid
misinterpretation.

Previous editions

DIN 4123: 1972-05

1 Scope of application

This standard applies to excavations and foundation work adjacent to existing

buildings, as well as to the conventional underpinning of building sections in narrow
strips with masonry, concrete, or reinforced concrete. It specifies how these works can
be carried out in such a way that the stability and serviceability of the
existing buildings are to be preserved and what evidence must be provided for this. It
can be applied on the basis of the structural documentation according to Section 4 if

a. the existing buildings are founded on strip foundations or on rigid

reinforced concrete slabs;
b. the vertical foundation load or wall load to be transferred from the strip
foundations or the rigid reinforced concrete slabs to the subsoil does not
exceed 250 kN/m;
NOTE
The specified strip load generally covers residential buildings, office
buildings and similar buildings with a basement, five full floors and, if
necessary, a converted roof.
c. the wall to be underpinned due to its nature or due to additional securing
measures (see6.5 ) acts as a disc;
d. the subsoil in the area of influence of the planned excavation pit has to bear
predominantly vertical loads from the existing foundation or from other
influences, e.g. traffic or construction work (see6.4 );
e. the subsoil is sufficiently stable and load-bearing both in the area of the existing
foundation and in the area of the planned foundation or underpinning, the
groundwater is sufficiently deep or is being lowered and there are no other
stresses beyond the usual level (see7.1 ,8.1 and9.1 ).

If the aforementioned prerequisites are not met, the requirements of this standard
must be supplemented in individual cases by additional structural measures and
additional proof of stability to compensate for the unmet prerequisites. This also
applies mutatis mutandis to excavations, foundations, and underpinning in the area of
other structures, unless specific technical regulations exist for these. Underpinning
methods used in special foundation engineering, such as injection, freezing, small-
bore pile foundations, and jet grouting, are not covered in this standard. However, the
requirements of this standard also apply in these cases unless they are met by the
special method in another way.

NOTE: Even with careful planning and execution, the measures specified in this standard
generally do not rule out minor deformations of existing building elements, depending on
their condition and construction method. Hairline cracks and settlement of the underpinned
building elements up to 5 mm are considered largely unavoidable.

2 Normative references

This standard incorporates, by dated or undated reference, provisions from other

publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the
text, and the publications are listed below. Dated references include subsequent
amendments to or revisions of these publications.
only to this standard if they have been incorporated through amendment or revision. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced publication applies. DIN 105-1,
Masonry bricks - Solid bricks and vertically perforated bricks.

DIN 106-1, Sand-lime bricks - solid bricks, perforated bricks, block bricks, hollow block bricks.

DIN 1045:1988-07, Concrete and reinforced concrete structures - Design and execution.

DIN 1053-1, Masonry - Part 1: Calculation and execution.

DIN1054 :1976-11, Subsoil - Permissible load on the subsoil.

DIN 1054 Supplement, Subsoil - Permissible load on the subsoil, Explanations.

DIN1055-2 , Load assumptions for buildings - soil parameters, specific gravity, friction angle,
cohesion, wall friction angle.

DIN 4017-1, Subsoil failure calculations of vertically centrally loaded shallow

foundations.

DIN 4017-2, Subsoil - Ground failure calculations of shallow foundations subject to

inclined and eccentric loading.

DIN 4020, Geotechnical investigations for civil engineering purposes.

DIN 4021, Subsoil - Exploration by trenching and drilling as well as taking samples.

DIN 4022-1, Subsoil and groundwater - Naming and describing soil and rock - List of
layers for drillings without continuous extraction of cored samples in soil and rock.

DIN 4085, Calculation of earth pressure - Calculation principles.

DIN 4107, Subsoil - Settlement observations on emerging and completed

structures.

DIN4124 , excavations and trenches - embankments, working space widths, shoring.

DIN 4125, grouted anchors - temporary anchors and permanent anchors.

DIN 18122-1, Investigation of soil sample state limits (consistency limits) -

Determination of the yield and roll-out limits.

3 terms
For the purposes of this standard, the following terms apply:

3.1 Excavation

Soil excavation next to an existing building if this soil, as a load, promotes the stability
of the building, e.g. when proving ground failure or terrain failure safety.

3.2 Founding

Construction of new foundations next to existing strip foundations or foundation

slabs if this temporarily reduces the stability of the existing building.

3.3 Underpinning

The transfer of the foundation load of a shallow-founded structure from the

previous foundation level to a new foundation at a deeper foundation level.

4 Construction documents

The structural documentation must contain complete information about the

existing and planned buildings, as well as the properties of the subsoil and the
loads on the subsoil. This includes:

a. Construction drawings with floor plans and cross-sectional views of the planned
and existing building, in particular the foundations, basement floors and
basement ceilings, specifying the building materials and products;
b. Representation of the excavation limits of the excavation pit, including
the excavation pit supports and the necessary underpinning;
c. Representation of the soil layers, including the soil condition, the
groundwater level, including the expected
Fluctuations in groundwater levels and, where applicable, in aquifers;
d. Description of the construction work, specifying the necessary safety measures
and the work plan, which specifies the timing of the individual work steps;

e. in the case of excavations and foundations, proof of compliance with the

permissible soil pressures according to DIN1054 or proof of ground failure safety
for the foundation of the existing building according to DIN 4017-1 and DIN
4017-2;
f. in the case of underpinnings, a compilation of the loads acting on the existing
building and their most unfavourable combinations as well as the proof of
stability for the final state and, if applicable, the intermediate construction states
of the underpinning according to10.2 ;
 g. Proof of stability for the planned construction of the branch trenches according
to9.5 in the area of the foundations, as far as it is10.2 is required.

5 Construction management

During excavations, foundation and underpinning work, the contractor or the site
manager appointed by him or a qualified representative of the site manager must be
present on site during the work. He must ensure the proper execution of the work in
accordance with the approved construction documents, in particular

a. compliance with the planned excavation limits,

b. the proper sequence of work,
c. the professional construction of the trenches,
d. the professional manufacture of the components and the overall structure in their
planned dimensions.

In addition, at the end of each working day, he must document the work carried
out in a comprehensible form, if possible including photos.

6 Planning and construction preparation

6.1 Investigations before starting work

Before excavation begins, the local conditions must be thoroughly investigated in each
individual case, unless existing construction documents and experience provide
sufficient information. Random samples must be taken to determine whether the
information obtained from existing construction documents corresponds to reality.

6.2 Exploration of the subsoil

If the local conditions of the subsoil are not sufficiently known, they must be
adequately explored by drilling (see DIN 4021), by narrow excavations extending up to
the walls of the existing foundations, or by other methods in accordance with DIN
4020. Particular attention must be paid to determining whether there are alternating
or sloping soil layers, soil layers with insufficient bearing capacity, or those with a
tendency to form slip surfaces. The groundwater and aquifer conditions must be
explored in accordance with DIN 4020.

If working spaces of former excavations are encountered, the compaction of the

material introduced must be checked.

6.3 Exploration of existing structures

During the on-site investigation, the safety status of the building must be assessed. In
particular, the type, dimensions, foundation depth, and condition of the existing walls and
foundations within the excavation area must be determined. The location of utility and
sewage pipes, as well as other structural facilities, must be investigated.

NOTE It is recommended that, as part of an evidence-preservation procedure before the start of

construction work, the condition of the existing buildings be determined with the cooperation of all
parties involved and that height measurement points, if necessary also
Displacement measuring points must be measured (see DIN 4107).

6.4 Investigation of the forces acting in the subsoil

The magnitude and direction of any forces introduced into the subsoil within the area
affected by the planned construction project must be known. In particular, it must be
determined whether horizontal forces, e.g., from horizontally loaded structural
components such as vaults or frames, or from earth pressure, possibly increased by
surcharge loads, must be absorbed by the shoring or underpinning. Furthermore, it must
be determined what additional structural functions the earth body intended for excavation
fulfills for other existing structures, e.g., for the accommodation of anchors, inclined piles,
or other anchoring bodies.

6.5 Security measures on the existing building

In the case of excavations and foundations, but especially in the case of underpinning, the
following safety measures may be required on the existing building before construction
work begins:

a. Repair of masonry or concrete, e.g. force-fitting closure of cracks which impair

stability;
b. Re-anchoring of vulnerable building parts to parts of the building that are not within the
sphere of influence of the planned construction work;
c. stiffening of walls whose shear effect is in question, e.g. by bricking up
openings or installing clamps;
d. Improvement or securing of the connection between the wall to be underpinned and
its transverse walls, ceilings and, where applicable, the basement floor;
e. Supporting vulnerable parts of the building by bracing against neighbouring
structures or other abutments, whereby the resulting horizontal and vertical
forces may only be introduced at the level of solid ceilings or into bracing
transverse walls or into foundation beams or slabs;
f. Bracing or anchoring the existing building against already completed
parts of the new building.

If load redistribution can lead to an unacceptable increase in the stiffener forces or a

loss of support, spindles or hydraulic presses should be installed to reinforce the
stiffeners if necessary, even if this may result in
To be able to relax movements or to tighten them to ensure permanent
traction.

7 excavations

7.1 Requirements

The excavation measures described below require:

a. In the area affected by the existing foundations and in the remaining earth
block, at least medium-density non-cohesive or at least stiff cohesive soils must
be present.
NOTE
According to the supplement to DIN 1054 and DIN1055-2 Non-cohesive soils
are at least medium-dense if they have a bulk density D> 0.30, a degree of
compaction DPr> 0.95 or a peak resistance of the pressure probe of q
s> 7.5 MN/m. Cohesive soils are at least stiff if they have a condition number
2

I according to DIN 18122-1c> 0.75 or, according to DIN 4022-1 in field tests,
are difficult to knead but can be rolled out in the hand into 3 mm thick rolls
without tearing or crumbling.
b. It must be demonstrated that in the construction stage in which up to the
intended berm surface (see figure1 ) has been excavated, the permissible soil
pressures (according to DIN1054 :1976-11, 4.2) are not exceeded or the
ground failure safety is ensured according to DIN 4017-1 and DIN 4017-2.

c. During construction, the groundwater level in the area of the remaining earth
block, the existing foundations, and the basement floor must be at least 0.50
m below the planned excavation level. If necessary, it must be lowered to this
depth by gravity drainage or vacuum dewatering. This also applies to
confined groundwater and aquifer water. The success of groundwater
lowering measures must be verified before and during excavation work
through measurements, e.g., water level measurements. However,
groundwater lowering is only permitted if no damage to the existing
foundations or the surrounding area is expected.

7.2 Soil excavation limits

A building may not be excavated to the bottom of its foundation or deeper without
adequate safety measures. If its stability cannot be ensured by other measures, the
ground stability of the existing foundations can be increased by an earth block as
shown in Figure 1.1 The following excavation limits must be observed:
 a. The berm surface shall be at least 0.50 m above the foundation level of the
existing foundation and shall not be deeper than the basement floor of the
existing building if the building has a conventional basement or crawl space.

b. The width of the berm must be at least 2.00 m.

c. The earth block adjacent to the berm shall not have a slope steeper than 1:2.
d. The difference in height between the existing foundation level and the
excavation base must not exceed 4.00 m.

7.3 Excavation sections in the area of the earth block

Does the earth block have to be1 If the ground is to be removed due to the planned
foundation or underpinning, this may only be done in sections through branch
trenches or shafts no wider than 1.25 m to avoid ground failure. A distance of at least
three times the width of a branch trench or shaft must be maintained between
simultaneously constructed branch trenches or shafts (see Figure2 and image4 ).
Additional branch trenches or shafts may only be constructed once the preceding new
foundation sections or underpinnings have sufficient strength. The trench or shaft
walls must be approximately vertical.

The specified excavation width is to be understood as the clearance between the

earth walls. It may not be increased beyond 1.25 m for shoring purposes.

For the construction of branch trenches and shafts see8.3 for start-ups or9.5 for
underpinning.

Image 1-Soil excavation limits

7.4 Protection of the excavation pit from weather influences

Softening of fine sandy or cohesive soils in the excavation area must be prevented,
e.g., by covering with tarpaulins, installing drainage systems, or filter layers. If there is
a risk of frost, the soils must be protected with thermally insulating coverings if
necessary.

7.5 Observation of the existing building

During excavation work, and if necessary afterward, height measurements should be

taken on the existing building in order to detect any settlement and to take any
necessary measures. If necessary, the measurements can be carried out using the
methods described in the note
to6.3 mentioned measuring points can be used.

8 start-ups

8.1 Requirements

In addition to the measures already taken in connection with excavations in7.1 The following
requirements must be observed when building foundations next to existing buildings:

a. When proving that the ground pressures under the foundation of the existing building
do not exceed the values specified in DIN1054 In order to ensure that the foundation
does not exceed the specified values or that the foundation stability is ensured,
changes to this foundation may have to be taken into account, e.g. the removal of any
overhang that extends beyond the wall line.
b. The groundwater level must be at least 0.50 m below the foundation level
during construction or be lowered to this depth. In all other respects, the
provisions in7.1 , list c).

8.2 Foundation depth

New foundations immediately adjacent to existing ones should generally be dug to the same
depth as the existing ones. If the new foundation level is deeper than the existing one, the existing
foundation must be underpinned according to Section 9.

If the foundation level of the new building is higher than the foundation level of the
existing building, it must be demonstrated that the loads resulting from the new
foundation can be absorbed by the existing building.

NOTE In addition, it may be necessary to obtain the consent of the neighbour and to
provide legal protection in the land register for the use of the existing building as
support for the new building.
Image 2-Foundation with example of the sequence of construction phases

8.3 Construction of the branch trenches and shafts

The excavation may initially only be carried out up to the soil excavation limits
after7.2 Further work should begin at the most heavily loaded sections of the
existing building. The width of the trenches or shafts and their spacing depend on
7.3 and are installed according to DIN4124 to secure if

a. the height difference between the berm surface and the foundation level or
trench bottom is more than 1.25 m or
b. the underlying soil is not sufficiently stable even with a small difference in
height due to special influences, e.g. disturbances in the soil structure, layers
dipping towards the bottom of the trench or poorly compacted backfill.
8.4 Construction of the foundations of the new building

Foundations that have no or only structural longitudinal reinforcement must have a

minimum height and width of 0.50 m. Concrete of strength class B 15 according to
DIN 1045 must be used for them. They may only be used in sections whose length is
limited by the width of the branch trenches (see7.3 ) is determined.

For new foundations with structurally required longitudinal reinforcement, to ensure

continuous reinforcement and proper concrete pouring, an unreinforced foundation of at
least 0.50 m in height and width must first be installed in sections, flush with the existing
foundation's lower edge, due to the risk of ground failure. Once the concrete has sufficiently
hardened, the reinforced concrete foundation may be poured along its entire length.

8.5 Settlements

The interaction between the subsoil and the structure must be considered. The
additional load on the subsoil caused by the new building can lead to settlement of
both the new and the existing building. Since the two buildings can settle at
different rates, the existing and new structures should be separated by an
expansion joint.

8.6 Observation of the existing building

Before construction work begins, height bolts must be installed and measured on the
existing building. During construction, and if necessary afterward, sufficient
settlement measurements must be taken. Furthermore, the condition of the entire
building must be monitored during construction. The measurement results and
observations must be documented. If cracks are already present or occur during
construction, timely measures must be taken to continuously monitor further
movements, e.g., by installing plaster markers or crack monitors. If this is necessary to
prevent further damage,6.5 to initiate security measures or to order additional
security measures.

9 underpinnings

9.1 Requirements

In addition to the measures already taken in connection with excavations in7.1 and
with foundations in8.1 The following requirements must be observed when
underpinning existing buildings:

a. Below the new foundation level, there must be at least medium-dense non-
cohesive or at least stiff cohesive soils.
 b. The groundwater level must be at least 0.50 m below the new foundation level
during construction or be lowered to this depth. Otherwise, the regulations in
7.1 , list c).
c. For buildings founded on strip foundations, no imposed loads p >
3.5 kN/m2directly impact the subsoil via the basement floor.
d. During the execution of the underpinning work, no vibrations shall occur
that could affect the building or the underpinning work.

NOTE The underpinning of an existing building and, where necessary, the

installation of anchors require the consent of the owner.

9.2 Foundation depth

If the existing building is underpinned because the intended foundation level of a

new building is lower than that of the existing one, then the underpinning wall must
be founded at least at the same depth as the new building (see Figure4 ). The
associated height of the underpinning wall is to be determined according to the
stability10.3 In order to ensure that the unavoidable settlements are evenly
distributed, it may be advisable to extend the adjacent wall of the existing building
not only to the length of the new foundation, but also beyond it, as shown in Figure3
in a transition area. The same applies to the adjoining transverse walls. If an
adjoining exterior wall is constructed according to Figure3 exposed by a sloped
excavation pit deeper than it was7.2 would be permissible, then it too must be
underpinned in steps. The slope of the steps depends on the depth of the
underpinning, the type of building, and the stability of the underlying soil. A slope of
1:2 to 1:1 is usually chosen.

9.3 Building materials and products

For underpinning, masonry shall be constructed from solid bricks Mz 12 according to DIN 105-1 or KSV
12 according to DIN 106-1, or from other solid bricks of equivalent strength in mortar group III
according to DIN 1053-1. For underpinning made of concrete or reinforced concrete, DIN 1045 applies.
Concrete of strength class B 15 according to DIN 1045 shall be used as a minimum.

9.4 Wall thickness

The wall thickness of the underpinning depends on the stability verification taking into
account

a. the standards applicable to the selected building material or construction product (e.g.
DIN 1053-1, DIN 1045),
b. the DIN1054 permissible load on the subsoil.

It must be at least as thick as the foundation to be underpinned.

9.5 Construction of the branch trenches and shafts

The excavation may initially only be carried out up to the soil excavation limits
according to7.2 The width of the subsequent trenches or shafts and thus the
length of the underpinning sections as well as their spacing depend on7.3 .

Furthermore, the following should be noted:

a. The undermining of the existing strip foundation or reinforced concrete slab

required to prepare the underpinning shall be adjusted to the wall thickness
of the underpinning according to9.4 to limit.

Image 3-Underpinning wall with steps

b. Regardless of the depth of the trenches or shafts7.3 The earth walls must always be
supported against each other in a force-locking manner. Only a shoring system
that can be installed without significant vibrations, loosening, or movement in the
soil may be used, preferably a horizontal standard shoring system according to
DIN4124 The permanent lateral support effect is also important for the production
of further
 To ensure underpinning sections, e.g. by dismantling the underpinning in
sections and refilling the branch trenches or shafts, including slight
compaction of the introduced material, or by systematic bracing.

c. In the case of at least stiff cohesive soil, it is sufficient to dig trenches or shafts
only up to the foundation to be underpinned, provided that the free height
does not exceed 2.00 m and it is not expected that locally loose parts of the
foundation or soil could break out. For greater underpinning heights, the
excavation steps must be subdivided according to height. If there is non-
cohesive soil below the existing foundation level, lateral shoring below the
foundation and end shoring may only be dispensed with if sufficient stability is
ensured by

This has been verified by an expert report. If the non-cohesive soil lacks
capillary cohesion due to its grain distribution, e.g., loose gravel, excavation
may only be carried out after prior consolidation. If sufficient consolidation is
demonstrated, the construction procedure may be the same as for stiff
cohesive soils.

d. After the trench or shaft has been dug, the installation of the underpinning
plate must begin immediately.
If the underpinning slab cannot be completed on the same day, a lateral
shoring and a front shoring must always be installed below the existing
foundation. The lateral shoring must be able to absorb the earth pressure from
the effective soil pressure beneath the foundation. The channel struts must be
strongly bolted accordingly.
e. During excavation, the new foundation base must not be loosened or
softened. If necessary, the existing soil must be compacted or replaced
with lean concrete.

9.6 Construction of the underpinning wall

Underpinning work should generally begin at the most heavily loaded sections of
the existing building, e.g. at the incorporation of loaded transverse walls.

If a shoulder shoring system has been installed to secure the branch trench and is
subject to rot, it must be removed gradually as the underpinning wall is constructed.
If the underpinning wall is made of concrete, it must be placed directly against the
in-situ soil. For masonry underpinning walls, any remaining voids between the wall
and the in-situ soil must be filled with lean concrete.

As far as this is evident from the proof of stability for the final state or for an intermediate
construction state according to10.3 is within the scope of the execution of a
If necessary, the necessary anchoring must also be installed in the underpinning
section, e.g. anchoring with grout anchors according to DIN 4125.

For large underpinning heights, two construction methods are possible:

a. The underpinning is constructed in a single layer, one at a time, up to the

intended foundation level. After the last layer is closed, the entire
underpinning is complete.
b. The underpinning is constructed in slats in the form of an underpinning strip,
initially only up to a specified intermediate depth. The process is then repeated,
if necessary several times, until the intended foundation level is reached. This
construction method requires the construction of reinforced concrete slats,
which are interconnected within each underpinning strip to create a continuous,
rigid slab.

NOTE When underpinning according to item b), the unavoidable deformations and
settlements may occur repeatedly.

9.7 Force connection between foundation and underpinning

To minimize potential settlement of the existing building, a secure transfer of

forces to the underpinning structure must be ensured before the subsequent
trenches are constructed, e.g., through large-area steel double wedges or
hydraulic compression. The final filling between the wedged or compressed
surfaces must be performed with a force-locking effect.

If hydraulic compression is used, the compression force depends on the existing load
and the load distribution in the overlying structure. The size of the compression jack
depends on the permissible compression of the existing foundation on the one hand
and the new underpinning wall on the other. Typically, the force is transmitted via a
load distribution structure.

The purpose of wedging, and especially hydraulic pressing, is to anticipate the

expected settlement of the underpinning wall and thus prevent it from affecting the
building being underpinned. If anticipating these settlements is not possible
immediately, e.g., due to the inevitable consolidation process of cohesive soil, then
wedging or pressing must be repeated several times, or the pressing force must be
kept constant for a longer period. In this case, the settlements and, if applicable, the
pressing forces must be measured and recorded over time so that the effectiveness of
the measure can be assessed. If anticipating the settlements in this way is not
possible, then
Conventional underpinning in narrow strips is only permissible if the associated
subsequent settlements do not endanger the integrity and serviceability of the
building to be underpinned.

9.8 Construction of the foundations of the new building

If the new foundations are located in the same foundation level as the underpinning
wall, then they are4 to be constructed in sections at the same time as the
underpinning wall and to be separated from it due to the different settlements to be
expected (see8.4 ) by a movement joint. If they are higher, then it must be ensured
that the underpinning wall7.2 , list a) has an embedment depth of at least 0.50 m.

For new foundations with structurally required longitudinal reinforcement, an unreinforced

foundation must be constructed simultaneously with the underpinning. The lower edge of the
new unreinforced foundation must be level with the lower edge of the underpinning
foundation; i.e., the underpinning must be at least 0.50 m lower than the lower edge of the
reinforced concrete foundation. The reinforced concrete foundation must then be constructed
over the entire length of the unreinforced foundation.

9.9 Observation of existing buildings

The provisions in8.5 must also be observed if the existing building is underpinned.
They also apply to all other buildings that may be affected by the planned
construction work, e.g. neighbouring buildings against which support is required
according to6.5 , list e). In addition to the8.5 Displacement measurements should be
carried out in addition to the required measurements and observations.

10 Proof of stability

10.1 Proof of the stability of the existing building

After7.1 , List b) it must be demonstrated that in the construction stage in which the
soil has been excavated up to the intended berm surface, the permissible soil
pressures according to DIN1054 are not exceeded or, when subjected to permanent
loads and regularly occurring traffic loads, the required ground failure safety for a
permanent structure is present. If necessary, planned changes to the existing
foundation must be taken into account, e.g., the removal of an overhang beyond the
wall line after8.1 , List a). An increase in the permissible soil pressures according to
DIN1054 or a reduction of the safety against ground failure in the sense of load case 2
with reference to the construction state of the new building is not permitted.

10.2 Proof of stability for construction stages

Proof of stability for the construction stages of excavations, foundations, and
underpinnings may be waived if the available experience justifies it. This is the
case if the specifications are complied with.

a. to the soil excavation limits according to7.2 ,

b. to the branch ditches to7.3 and9.5 ,
c. for the section-by-section construction of foundations according to8.3 ,
d. to the underpinning sections according to9.5 or9.6 ,

provided that the provisions in sections 1 and7.1 , if applicable

also the8.1 and9.1 mentioned conditions are met.

Image 4-Underpinning with example of the sequence of construction phases

If the relevant boundary conditions are not met in an individual case, or if the specified
prerequisites are not fulfilled, then the structural stability must be demonstrated for
the respective structural condition. If there is a possibility that the deviations could
result in greater deformations or movements than would be expected if the specified
boundary conditions and prerequisites were met, then proof of serviceability must
also be provided. If necessary, a geotechnical expert must be consulted.

If, due to non-compliance with the above-mentioned boundary conditions and

requirements, it must be demonstrated that the stability of the building is temporarily
reduced because branch trenches or shafts have been dug after7.3 for the creation of
a foundation according to8.3 brought up to the existing building or to9.5 for
underpinning according to9.6 driven under the existing building, is in the sense of load
case 2 according to DIN1054 a reduction of the safety against ground failure and
sliding or an increase of the DIN1054 :1976-11, 4.2, permissible soil pressures are
permitted by 30%.

10.3 Proof of the stability of the underpinning wall

For each underpinning wall, a stability assessment must be carried out for the final
state of the underpinning and, if applicable, for the intermediate construction stages.
The final state of the underpinning is the state in which the underpinning wall has
been constructed, if applicable together with the foundation of the new building and,
if applicable, including the required anchorages. The intermediate construction stage
is the

Condition that occurs when an underpinning section is not9.6 , List a) is

completed in one operation, but the underpinning process is carried out after9.6 ,
list b) is repeated.

The stability analysis for an underpinning wall must be carried out taking into account
the surcharge loads, the earth pressure forces and, if applicable, the horizontal loads
acting on the underpinning. The decisive factor is the combination of vertical and
horizontal actions that results in the smallest safety against ground failure, the
smallest safety against sliding, or the greatest eccentricity of the resultant in the
foundation plane. If the stability analysis is carried out using the permissible soil
pressures according to
DIN1054 then the embedment depth of the underpinning wall must be determined according to
Figure1 extend at least 0.50 m below the soil excavation limit for the new building or below the
soil excavation limit of the underpinning section in the intermediate construction state.

The earth pressure on the underpinning wall must be determined taking into
account the soil's own weight and surcharge loads, e.g., the live loads on the
basement floor and, if applicable, the loads from transverse walls. If no measures
are provided to limit wall movements, the active
Earth pressure according to DIN 4085. However, if anchors are required to support the
underpinning wall, the average value between the at-rest earth pressure and the active
earth pressure should be used. The anchors are designed for the service force FWto be
prestressed according to DIN 4125, unless displacements of the foundation or the
underpinning wall are observed during the prestressing process, which would suggest a
limitation of the prestressing force.

Both the intermediate construction stages and the final state of the underpinning are designed for
permanent loads and regularly occurring traffic loads according to load case LF 1 according to DIN
1054 to assign.