STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING FORUM OF INDIA [SEFI]

BuMex · SEFI Member Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 4

How can we know the type of foundation used in a very old building where there is no drawing available? We want to add some additional floors and some other elements.

Can we some kind of scanning or x-rays?

Dr. N. Subramanian · Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 2:44 am Post subject: Re: Foundation of Old Buildings

Hi Er Mex,

If you do not have drawings, it is very difficult to know what has gone into the foundation. You may dig a few pits around to know the size; may use NDT techniques(I am not sure about their effectiveness in such thick elements) to get the reinforcement details. But anyway, it is tough and difficult.

Best wishes
NS

Dr. N. Subramanian · Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 3:15 am Post subject: Re: Foundation of Old Buildings

Hi Er Mex,

If you do not have drawings, it is very difficult to know what has gone into the foundation. You may dig a few pits around to know the size; may use NDT techniques(I am not sure about their effectiveness in such thick elements) to get the reinforcement details. But anyway, it is tough and difficult.

Best wishes
NS

suraj · Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 5:18 am Post subject: Very Old Buildings

Very Old Buildings
Certainly not RCC.
Such buildings do have stones, bricks, brick tiles foundation.
Wide thickness of walls.
Dr NS sahib has rightly suggested to chase out certain width say 600 mm anywhere & see various offsets while reaching down to 4 to 5 feet.
I am sure that nothing less than spread footing would be revealed.
Mortar would be Lime based.
But, when such building is too old say more than 25 to 40 years, better to rebuild.
Regards

sdec.in · Silver Sponsor Joined: 26 Jan 2003 Posts: 473

Dear SEFI friend

Adding floors for a very old building is a very bad idea, especially when you know nothing about foundations, soil type etc. and should not be taken up, according to me. The scanning or Xray will not work for establishing the foundation type, sizes and reinforcements etc.Besides, you will need to enhance strength of your existing columns and beams (which in a building under use can be a nightmare, even with Fibre wraps, as you need to break walls close to columns to wrap the material around columns).

How about creating an independent structural system for the new floors?

regards
Sangeeta Wij

prof.arc · ... Joined: 26 Jan 2003 Posts: 703

shiven2004 · ... Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Posts: 115 Location: NEW DELHI

dear sefians

to start with new structural system or foundation ,such that it circumscribe your old structure will be a good idea ....

i have personally an issue with my house in village .. where i am purposing a new foundation to go for higher level .... but thing is that you have to use your brain to provide architectural beauty ..... i am working on this and may be in future i will have
modified house in village that will be with multiple floors and old one will be also preseved .

thanks
regards
shivendra kumar

sakumar79 · ... Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 692

In this context, I have a doubt... When upper floors are constructed on new footings/columns, at the existing terrace level (and may be other levels also), there will be connection of existing building to new building... Now, the existing building, especially if it is a bit old would have completed its settlement... But the new building above will settle... This should be carefully considered while providing the new building... Otherwise, the differential settlement can lead to cracks.. What kind of precautions are to be taken?

Arun

vikram.jeet · General Sponsor Joined: 26 Jan 2003 Posts: 2212

CBRI, Roorkee might help regarding literature/agencies/ informations on NDT for existing structure
and foundation status

vikramjeet

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