RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH REUSE AND REMEDIATION OF FOUNDATIONS

The reuse of foundations is not new and can take many forms, such as reusing existing foundations for increased loading, augmenting existing foundation systems and strengthening existing foundations to mitigate risks imposed by adjacent developments. Many developments in urban settings, particularly in city centres, are redevelopments with rigid geometric constraints that limit reuse options. The challenges become more acute with developments involving significant depths of excavation below the foundations of adjacent structures, services, tunnels and other infrastructure. These challenges can be further compounded by geotechnical and geological imperfections, including unfavourable ground and water conditions, as well as defects in the existing foundation systems.
This paper highlights the key risks associated with reuse and remediation of existing foundations. The risks can be wide ranging depending on the individual project but can be broadly categorised into specific areas, such as design and construction. The paper includes examples of two projects from the UK and UAE, with which the author was actively involved. The examples highlight the process through which the specific risks were identified and how these risks were adequately mitigated.