REV. FR.
MOSES ORSHIO ADASU UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI
POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL STUDIES
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
DZEGE MSURSHIMA
PG No. 2546904
COURSE CODE/TITLE
CTE 807: ADVANCE CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
NATURE OF WORK
SEMINAR
TOPIC:
DISCUSS UNDERPINNING AND SHORING IN BUILDING
AUGUST, 2025
Introduction
Underpinning is simply the process of strengthening and reinforcing the existing
foundation of a building or structure to make it more stable. It is performed in stages so that the
entire structure’s integrity is not compromised at once.
It is normally done when the original foundation is no longer strong or stable enough or
when the load on the structure changes e.g by adding more floors. Actually increased load,
shoody original construction, soil subsidence, and environmental changes can cause problems in
foundation.
Reasons for Underpinning
1. Strengthening weak foundations, poor soils, deteriorate, our design flaws usually requires
underpinning.
2. Stabilizing structures – underpinning becomes necessary when there is uneven settlement
of structure (remedial work)
3. Increasing foundation depth. To reach stronger soil or to accommodate a basement.
4. Adopting to charges in use – when floors are added or heavier equipment.(This is in the
case of protection)
Other reasons could be;
5. Soil erosion or changes in ground water
6. Poor construction of the original foundation
7. Natural disasters e.g flooding or earth quakes
8. Excavation near the building that could weaken its support
Before starting underpinning
1. The structures should be fully strutted and shored to resist all expected movement during
underpinning
2. All cracks in the structure should be repaired and grouted properly
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Methods of underpinning
1. Mass concrete underpinning (pit method)
This involves excavating sections beneath the existing foundation in stages and filling
them with concrete.
Each section is completed before moving to the next to avoid destabilizing the structure.
It is most suitable for shallow foundations and stable soil conditions
Figure 1: Mass concrete underpinning
2. Beam and Base method
In this method of underpinning, a reinforced concrete beam is constructed below or
alongside the existing foundation. The beam transfers the load to new concrete bases. It is
best for distributing loads evenly, especially for uneven or variable soils
Figure 2: Beam and Base method
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3. Mini-piled underpinning
Small diameter piles (150 – 300mm) are trilled deep into stable soil or rock and
connected to the existing foundation with pile caps or beams. It can be used for sites with
restricted access, deep foundations, or poor surface soils.
Figure 3: Mini-piled underpinning
4. Pile and Beam underpinning
This method of underpinning combines piles with a concrete beam that spans between
them. The beam supports the existing wall and the piles transfer the load deep into stable
strata. This method can be suitable for weak soils and for foundations carrying heavy
loads.
Figure 4: Pile and Beam underpinning
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5. Cantilever Needle Method
This method of underpinning uses a reinforced concrete or steal beam as a cantilever
inserted under the foundation, with one end resting on a new pile and the other supporting
the wall. It is good for areas with obstructions preventing excavation along the entire wall
length.
Figure 5: Cantilever Needle Method
6. Chemical Grouting (injection underpinning)
Chemical resins or grout are injected into the soil beneath the foundation to fill voids and
solidify the ground. It is best for loose, granular, soils or situations where minimal
disturbance is required.
SHORING FOR BUILDINGS
Shoring is the process of temporarily supporting a building, vessel, alteration or demolition.
Shoring may be vertical or horizontal.
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Types of Shoring
1. Raking shores
Raking shores are used as temporary support structures for walls within a building
that are not structurally sound.
In constructing raking shores, inclined struts are placed between the ground and a
wall to transfer the walls load down into the ground. They are used commonly to
support building or cracked walls.
Figure 6: Raking Shores
2. Flying shores
When temporary is needed for two parallel walls then flying shores can be used
horizontally struts are made to span between two parallel walls, to prevent from
collapsing inward or outward during adjacent construction or demolition.
Figure 7: Flying shores
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3. Dead shores
Dead shores or vertical shores, is the system of shoring where vertical members
known as dead shores are used to support temporarily the walls, roofs, floors etc by
providing members known as needles, to meet one or more of the following
objectives.
i. To rebuild the lower part of a defective load bearing wall
ii. To replace (rebuild) or deepen the existing foundations which have either
become unsafe or require strengthening for carrying heavier loads or
iii. To provide large openings in the existing walls such as doors, windows, shop
from or garage at a lower level.
Figure 8: Dead shores
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SHORING FOR EXCAVATION AND TRENCHES
Hydraulic Shoring
Hydraulic cylinders are used to enable quick adjustments and adaptability for various
trench wall sizes. Steel plates are often used in conjunction with them to prevent damage. It is for
trench and excavation support (especially in urban environment or areas with unstable soil).
Sheet Pile Shoring
Inter locking, U shaped steel sheets are driven into the ground to create a barrier
commonly to separate project soil from a body of water. It can be used on harbor and mairine
construction.
Soil Nailing
Steel bars are drilled into a soil face, grouted, and capped with concrete to stabilize slopes
or excavations.
Braced shoring (Strut Bracing)
Horizontal struts placed between opposite walls of an excavation, often with wales
(horizontal beams) to spread the load.
In preparation for providing shores to a building;
i. All door and window openings are properly strutted to resist any possible deformation
inside floors of the building are also strutted by props or vertical posts. At the top and
bottom of these vertical struts or post, timber head and sol pieces are provided to
distribute the load more effectively, wedges are also used at the bottom or foot of prop
for tightening purposes.
ii. Holes are cut in the wall by crow bar at points above the required opening, at a distance
of 1 to 2.5m depending upon the weight of structure.
iii. Timber or steel horizontal beams called needles are inserted in these noles and projected
at right angles on each side of the wall. The projected ends of needle beams are supported
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to transfer the loads to the ground and hence are made to rest on a sole plate firmly
bedded on the ground.
iv. After new construction work has attained sufficient strength, the shores are removed and
this period of removal usually is not less than 7 days.
v. The sequence of removal of shoring system should be needles first and then strutting
from openings and floor strutting inside the building.
Sometimes, raking shores are provided to support the wall from above the proposed
opening to safeguard against shocks and vibrations during wall cutting. If raking shores are used,
they should be removed after the whole dead shore system is removed.
When installing shores the following factors should be considered;
i. Soil type and conditions: This determines the best shoring method for instance,
sandy soils might require sheet piling while hydraulic shoring may best for clay based
soils.
ii. Load bearing requirements: A shoring system that can handle structural loads and
any additional forces, like wind or traffic must be choice.
iii. Environmental impact: Your shoring method should minimize disruption to the
surrounding environment and adhere to environmental regulations.
iv. Safety regulations and compliance: In shoring projects safety is crucial for
protecting workers, the public and structural integrity.
On the whole, shoring should be planned and designed, installed, monitored and maintained.
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References
ConstructionPlacements. (2021). Underpinning in Construction – Types, Methods and
Applications. [Link]
Das, B. M. (2016). Principles of Foundation Engineering. 8th Ed. Cengage Learning.
Forming America. (2021). What is Hydraulic Shoring and When is it Used? Retrieved from
[Link]
McCormac, J. C., & Nelson, J. K. (2014). Structural Steel Design. 5th Ed. Pearson.
The Constructor. (n.d.). Types of Shoring Used in Construction. Retrieved from
[Link]
Tomlinson, M. J., & Woodward, J. (2008). Foundation Design and Construction. 7th Ed.
Pearson Education.
