As a homeowner, knowing the significance of groundwork is essential to ensure that your construction gets off on the right foot. Groundworks are critical to new construction since it is often the first step in the building process. Find out more about groundworks in this post.
Groundworks: what it includes
All work done to prepare sub-surfaces for the start of a building project is referred to as “groundwork”. To put it another way, groundwork is the set of operations that are completed before foundations are laid.
Depending on the project, groundwork includes the following activities:
- laying drains
- cabling
- water and gas pipes installation
- fiber optic cables and telephone lines installation.
Groundworks are generally the first step in a construction project and may include foundations, trenching, reinstatement, underpinning, sewer construction, basement building, all drainage, and landscaping.
The importance of groundwork
When it comes to building structures, having a solid foundation is critical. After all, the entire weight of the structure will be supported by the foundation.
Keep in mind that, in the construction sector, groundwork is essential to the overall process. As a result, it marks the start of every project.
There are several reasons why foundation work is essential for any construction project. It aids in the creation of the building’s layout and structure, as well as providing the strength necessary to support the building’s weight
It’s critical to remember that your building contractor is responsible for performing the groundwork evaluation and planning. It’s the construction company’s responsibility to prepare everything ahead of time so that the project’s expected output may be met.
Pre-construction phases
A well-designed construction project will include a precise sequence of stages. Each step must be completed in a specific order. The steps work together to guarantee the final building’s stability and ensure that everything proceeds without a hitch throughout the groundwork procedure.
The only thing that may happen before the groundworks portion of a project is the deconstruction of old structures to make way for the new development.
There are two distinct phases of the pre-construction process: ground investigation and land clearance. Let’s look at each of them in more depth.
Ground investigation
A ground investigation of the site is usually required by local governments and is a matter of good practice. This is useful for determining any issues, stability levels, and previous land uses.
More data may be obtained with these studies, which allows for better design. It also flags any potential flaws, such as contamination or abandoned mine workings, that should be addressed.
Ground conditions are generally evaluated, including hydrology, geology, soil condition, and contaminated land situations. The key to dealing with these problems is to acquire accurate information on them. Treatment options can be determined before any structural work begins based on this knowledge.
Land Clearance
After that, the site will generally need to be cleared in preparation for the construction work. The soil from around the structure’s footprint is removed during this construction stage.
The slope will influence the amount of soil required. If the land is uneven, the ground may need levelling. Retaining walls will be built to form level development platforms if this occurs.
Why you need a Foundation
The foundation connects the structure to the earth and provides strength and stability to prevent it from cracking, settling, or becoming unbalanced.
To determine whether a property requires piles, underpinnings, foundations, or engineering designs, structural engineers analyze any residential and commercial site.
Three key functions do foundations have in the building:
- keeping the structure secure during storms and floods,
- supporting the weight of an entire structure,
- keeping moisture out of the foundation.
How to choose the right Groundworks Contractor London
When picking a groundwork contractor, keep in mind that you must choose a company that is fully certified and has vast expertise with groundwork in London.
The most crucial component of any construction job is groundwork. It has a key function in preventing future damage and expenditures. The condition of your foundation will have a significant impact on how well your structure performs and survives in the future environment.
Piling, basement shells, and groundworks are all things that the KHB Piling team is knowledgeable about. We understand how to satisfy our customers’ demands and expectations, having almost 25 years of expertise in the stabilizing industry.
Are you starting a new building project? Contact us for an estimation of your groundworks at +44 7821 836407 or via the short form on our contact page.