Key Project Terms: Shoring, Underpinning of Foundations, and Ground Structures - Buildings

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Key Project Terms: Shoring, Underpinning of Foundations, and Ground Structures (Renovations)

The following is a list of useful terms to use when researching additional Shoring, Underpinning of Foundations, and Ground Structures information on each of the topics discussed:

>Bollards

Bollards consist of a simple steel post either anchored to concrete, cored into a hard surface, or buried in the ground to protect a structure or building from accidental collisions by vehicles.

>Excavation

Excavation is the process of moving earth, rock or other materials with tools, equipment or explosives. It includes earthwork, trenching, wall shafts, and tunneling underground. Per BC 3302.1, it’s the removal of earth from its natural position; except for any incidental removal that occurs during the course of auguring, drilling, vibrating, or driving. Coordination with FDNY is required.

>Flagpole

A single structural support in the ground, on which a flag is or can be displayed, typically a metal pole with a concrete foundation footing.

>Foundations

The element of a building or structure which connects it to the ground, and transfers its loads to the ground. Foundations are generally considered either shallow or deep, see BC 1801.3 for additional terms. Foundation engineering is the application of soil mechanics and rock mechanics (Geotechnical engineering) in the design of foundation elements of structures.

Shallow foundations, often called footings, are usually embedded about a meter or so into soil. One common type is the spread footing which consists of strips or pads of concrete which extend below the frost line and transfer the weight from walls and columns to the soil or bedrock. Another common type of shallow foundation is the slab-on-grade foundation where the weight of the building is transferred to the soil through a concrete slab placed at the surface.

A deep foundation is used to transfer the load of a structure down through the upper weak layer of topsoil to the stronger layer of subsoil below. There are different types of deep footings including impact driven piles, drilled shafts, caissons, helical piles, geo-piers and earth stabilized columns.

>Ground Sign

A billboard or similar type of sign which is supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces in or upon the ground other than a combination sign or pole sign, as defined by this Code.

>Pole Sign (Monopole)

A sign wholly supported by a (single) sign structural support in the ground

>Retaining Wall

Structures that are used to bound soils between two different elevations. Per BC 1801.3, a wall that resists lateral or other forces caused by soil, rock, water or other materials, thereby limiting lateral displacement and the movement of the supported materials. Basement walls and vault walls that are part of buildings and underground structures, including but not limited to utility vault structures, tunnels and transit stations, are not considered retaining walls.

>Shoring

The process of supporting a building, structure, or trench with shores (temporary buttresses) when in danger of collapse or during repairs or alterations or for the excavation as required for new structures. Shoring is typically a timber or metal prop. Shoring may be vertical, angled, or horizontal. Raking Shores consist of one or more timbers/buttresses sloping between the face of the structure to be supported and the ground. Other shoring methods could include hydraulic shoring, soil nailing, beam and plate, and vertical shoring.

>Sign Structure

Per BC Appendix H, any structure which supports or is capable of supporting a sign; a sign structure is permitted to be a single pole with a foundation and is not required to be an integral part of the building.

>Soils

Any space below the surface of a sidewalk and/or street, which is covered over, except those openings that are used exclusively as places for descending, by means of steps, to the cellar or basement of any building

>Storm Enclosures

Buildings are built on soil and/or bedrock. Soil is a mixture of small, bedrock particles; organic material such as decaying plants, wood and animals; air; and often water. Soils vary in type, composition and strength. The differences can be significant. Some soils are very strong and can support significant weight, while other soils are weak and compress under light loads.

>Soil and/or Foundation Work

Per BC 3302.1, the excavation, fill, grading, augering, or drilling, whether in soil or rock; or the installation or removal of foundations, piles, underpinning, sheeting, shoring, or supports of excavation.

>Underpinning

A solid foundation laid below ground level to support or strengthen a building. Per BC 1801.3, the alteration of an existing foundation to transfer loads to a lower bearing stratum using new piers, piles, or other structural support elements installed below the existing foundation

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