Piling & Underpinning services we offer in Kwazulu Natal
We offer the following foundation and structural repair services in and around KwaZulu Natal:
- Design Work
- Geotech Reports
- Underpinning of subsiding foundations
- Controlling of ground water/sub-soil drainage
- Stitching & repairs to cracked walls
- Hand Augering
Method
We inspect the site in order to establish the cause of the cracking. There may be causes such as leaking pipes, storm water drains, soil type (clay, shale), land slide, land slip, etc, that may cause foundations to subside or move, resulting in the cracking of the building. We work closely with a Geo Tech’s/Structural Engineers whose services may be utilized in certain circumstances.
Based upon our findings, we will give recommendations for the underpinning ie. number and location of pins. In some cases sub-soil drainage may need to be installed and/or storm water may need to be properly managed in addition to the underpinning. Stitching may also be recommended. We offer a turnkey solution for any project, including the design and installation of all types of storm water problem solutions and the the installation of continuation tanks and soak aways.
Underpinning
When underpinning, we dig and expose the foundations at the location that the pins are to be installed. We then dig approximately 1.5m below the foundation in order to install precast jack piles with steel and anchor crete. Using a specialised hydraulic jack, we jack precast jack piles down until they come to hard resistance or solid rock, welding them together along the way.
Finally, a concrete plinth is installed between the top of the precast jack piles, steel, and anchor crete and the existing foundation. The surrounding soil is then replaced and compacted.
Based upon our findings, we will give recommendations for the underpinning ie. number and location of pins. In some cases sub-soil drainage may need to be installed and/or storm water may need to be properly managed in addition to the underpinning. Stitching may also be recommended.
Where sub-soil drainage is required, trenches need to be dug below the foundations. Bidem cloth is installed into the trenches with agricultural pipe and 19mm blue stone around the pipe.
Piling
Piling services includes the process of adding support or strength to a building. From a more technical perspective, piling is commonly understood as a method of transferring weights within soil by driving or boring into the ground at particular spots.
Uneven structures or weak foundations are common causes of piling. The intended building and its immediate surroundings are stabilised and supported reliably by the process of driving piles into the earth.
The piles continue through several levels of soil until they hit a solid rock or soil layer. The next step is to attach the supports, which will act as a base for the building and disperse its weight equally across the ground.
As a general rule, piling is employed whenever multiple elements are present. Preexisting foundations or trenches might be too expensive or unstable to remove, there could be a high water table that affects soil stability, and the selected site could have inappropriate ground that can’t hold the weight of the building without reinforcement. Piling has many potential applications, from sustaining massive constructions like bridges and skyscrapers to more modest ones like home additions and detached garages.
When it comes to foundation solutions, Pinnacle Structure Repairs is at the forefront of innovation. The importance of piling to a building’s durability and stability is something we, as a prominent industry leader, are well-aware of.
Our engineering crew does a thorough site evaluation before getting into the nitty-gritty of applicable piling types. To guarantee the best possible foundation performance, many environmental factors are carefully considered, including soil conditions, weather, and others. By working with architects, we gain a deeper appreciation for the scope and complexity of the project.
Our engineers carefully choose the best piling type after thoroughly analysing the site characteristics and project requirements. Selecting the right sort of pile—driven, bored, or screw—is essential for overcoming obstacles and ensuring a structure lasts as long as possible.
Sites with thick soil or rugged terrain, for example, are perfect for driven piles since they make traditional excavation procedures more easier. In contrast, bored piles work great in places with softer soil or for projects that need deeper foundations. For regions that are delicate to the environment or where minimal disruption is preferred, screw piles provide a flexible solution.
As piling contractors our objective is straightforward: to optimise the building process while simultaneously increasing the foundation’s stability and durability by doing the best and appropriate piling for the project. Using the correct piling solution from the start guarantees that your project will endure the elements and provide a strong base for decades to come.
Planning Essentials
The lifetime and durability of buildings are greatly affected by the piling material that is chosen during construction. Timber, with its combination of low weight and longevity, has long been considered the material of choice. For many years, piling was all about timber, thanks to its renown for being easy to work with and prepare.
But as time went on and technology improved, new materials like steel and concrete changed the face of the construction sector. Modern manufacturing techniques and more contemporary building procedures ushered in the era of steel and concrete piles.
Because of their malleability, steel and concrete are incredibly versatile building materials. They are more resistant to compressive bending and tensile stresses than timber because of their
resilience. The versatility, longevity, and multipurpose nature of steel and concrete have made them the materials of choice for many modern construction projects.
Steel, in particular, is well regarded for its remarkable durability, which allows it to endure even the most demanding drilling procedures. One reason why it’s so popular among experts in the field is how simple it is to make.
Careful consideration of the pile’s design is as important as material selection. Careful consideration of soil conditions and expected load-bearing forces is essential when designing piling foundations. Particularly in settings where piles and soil layers are subject to horizontal movement, designs should take axial, shear, and bending forces into consideration.
Environmental variables are also taken into account, such as the requirement for piles to resist uplift loads in tall structures or those that are exposed to strong wind or wave forces. Piles used at sea must be able to resist the sideways forces exerted by ships as they dock. In a similar vein, retaining walls, bridges, and piers must take horizontal and vertical loads into serious consideration.
We at Pinnacle Structure Repairs know how the material of the pile, the technique of installation, the ground conditions, and the loading forces all interact with one another. Every project is carefully planned and performed to endure the test of time because we take a holistic approach. You can trust that your constructions will be built to last with our experience, and we will ensure that they perform to the highest standards in the construction industry.
You Can Rely on Pinnacle Structures as Your Piling Contractors in Durban
Building along Durban’s dynamic coastline isn’t easy. Piling is the solution to the problem of a shallow foundation caused by shifting water tables and soft soil. To ensure the project’s success in the long run, it is crucial to hire a reliable piling contractor.
A few reasons why Pinnacle Structures should be your go-to piling company in Durban:
Time is of the essence: Piling represents a niche industry. Experienced geotechnical engineers and expert piling experts are on staff at Pinnacle Structures. Our comprehensive knowledge of site conditions allows us to determine the best piling solution—driven piles, bored piles, or micropiles—and provide you with our expert recommendation.
Prioritising Safety: Strict safety protocols are our top priority on every project. When it comes to worker and site safety, our crew uses state-of-the-art equipment and follows all industry regulations.
We provide a full piling service, not merely pile installation, for comprehensive solutions. Researching the site, designing the foundation, installing the pilings, and testing the load are all part of our service. A streamlined procedure and flawless project execution are guaranteed by this one-stop-shop strategy.
Pinnacle Structure Repairs is devoted to providing customers with outstanding craftsmanship. At every step of the process, we thoroughly inspect the materials to ensure they are of the greatest quality. A strong and durable base for your construction is ensured by this.
We are well-versed in the specific soil characteristics of Durban because we are a local business. Our extensive local knowledge enables us to customise our piling solutions to address the unique obstacles your site may have.
Reasonably Priced: We are able to provide affordable rates without sacrificing safety or quality. Our company is committed to giving you more than what you paid for.
The stellar reputation that Pinnacle Structure Repairs enjoys in Durban is based on solid evidence of their work. The breadth and depth of our piling project portfolio demonstrates our competence in a variety of commercial, residential, and industrial settings.
Avoid settling for mediocrity at any costs. If you want a piling specialist to help you have a solid foundation for your building, give us a call now for a consultation.
Sub-Soil Drainage
Stitching
Frequently Asked Question
- Helical piers
- Steel piers
- Concrete pier foundation repair
- High-density polyurethane foam
- Segmented piers
- Spot piers
It is done by repairing foundations, structural subfloors, beams and columns and the structural portions of bearing walls and roofs of the building. This does not include roof repairs but only to the structural members of the roof.
It is vital that your commercial structure is stable and safe. You have to protect you clients, employees and public around you from all the danger that foundation failure holds.
- Inspection of the site
- Analysing site using Geotechnologists
- Summary of results
- Provide recommendations for the underpinning
- Blowed walls
- Nail pops
- Gaps where your walls and floors meet
- Cracked basement walls
- Uneven or bouncy floors
- Sticking windows or doors
- Cabinets that swing open (could be that your home is uneven from the settlement)
- Yes, there are various companies in South Africa with lots of experience in structural repairs. – pinnaclestructuralrepairs.co.za
- Design work
- Geotech reports
- Underpinning of subsiding foundations
- Controlling of ground water/sub-soil drainage
- Stiching and repairs to cracked walls
- Hand Augering