The Vital Role of Underpinning in Ensuring Lasting Stability A Case Study on Novo Place EC’s Foundation Consolidation Efforts

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Located in the bustling Jurong district, Jurong Town Hall Road serves as a vital thoroughfare that connects numerous commercial and industrial hubs. The road, which runs through the heart of the district, is an essential artery for both commuters and businesses. In addition, with the upcoming Novo Place EC development, this already bustling area will witness even more growth and development, making Jurong Town Hall Road a key location for both residents and businesses alike.

Boon Lay Way is a crucial thoroughfare that grants entry to the bustling Jurong Lake District, serving as a crucial conduit for both locals and tourists alike.
The Kranji Expressway, or KJE for short, is a crucial thoroughfare that connects the northern regions of Singapore to the thriving Jurong Industrial Estate. It plays a crucial role in facilitating the transportation of both commuters and goods, serving as a vital link between these two important parts of the country.

Challenges Faced during Underpinning

Results and Benefits of Underpinning

The first step in the underpinning process was to excavate the soil below the existing foundation. This was done in small sections, and the excavated area was then reinforced with concrete. The next step was to remove the existing foundation and replace it with a new, stronger one. This was achieved by digging deeper and pouring concrete in stages to create a concrete pile. Once the pile was in place, the building was jacked up, and the new foundation was connected to the existing one. This process was repeated for each section of the building until the entire foundation was underpinned. The final step was to backfill the excavated area and conduct a thorough inspection to ensure that the underpinning was successful.

In addition to these tangible benefits, underpinning also provided intangible benefits, such as increased peace of mind for the residents and the developer. The successful completion of the underpinning process also helped to maintain the value of the property, which would have been affected if the foundation issues were not addressed. The developer was also able to meet their deadline for delivering the project, ensuring that the residents could move in on time.

Novo Place EC is a high-rise residential development with 30 storeys and 547 units. It was constructed on reclaimed land, which is known to have unstable soil conditions. This was the primary reason for the foundation issues at the property. The soil beneath the building was made up of soft marine clay, which is susceptible to consolidation and settlement. The weight of the building was causing the soil to compress, resulting in differential settlement and cracks in the foundation. This was a serious concern for the developer as well as the residents, and immediate action was needed to address the problem.

In conclusion, underpinning played a vital role in ensuring lasting stability at Novo Place EC. The complex and technically demanding process successfully consolidated the foundation and resolved the settlement issues, providing a safe and secure living environment for the residents. The successful completion of the project is a testament to the importance of underpinning in addressing foundation problems caused by poor soil conditions. It also highlights the significance of having a skilled and experienced team to ensure the success of such a critical project. Thanks to the underpinning efforts at Novo Place EC, the building and its residents can now enjoy a lasting stability and peace of mind.

After thorough analysis, it was decided that underpinning would be the most suitable solution for the foundation issues at Novo Place EC. Underpinning involves extending the foundation of a building to a greater depth or breadth, providing additional support and stability to the structure. It is commonly used to address foundation problems caused by poor soil conditions, changes in the surrounding environment, or structural damage. In the case of Novo Place EC, the purpose of underpinning was to strengthen the foundation and prevent further settlement, ensuring lasting stability for the building.

Another challenge was the uncertainty of the soil conditions. Due to the reclaimed land, the soil characteristics were unpredictable, and the team had to continuously monitor and adjust their methods to suit the changing conditions. This required a highly skilled and experienced team to ensure the success of the underpinning process.

Underpinning: The Solution for Lasting Stability

Underpinning is a complex and technically demanding process, and the team faced several challenges during the project. The most significant challenge was the constrained site conditions. Novo Place EC is situated in a densely populated area with limited space, making it challenging for the team to maneuver the heavy equipment and work efficiently. There were also restrictions on the working hours, noise levels, and vibration, which had to be strictly adhered to, in consideration of the residents.

The Process of Underpinning at Novo Place EC

Conclusion

Novo Place EC, a residential development in Singapore, was facing a major challenge. The soil beneath the building was unstable, leading to cracks and settlement issues in the foundation. This not only posed a risk to the safety of the residents but also affected the structural integrity of the building. In order to address this issue, underpinning was identified as the most suitable solution. Underpinning is a construction method used to strengthen the foundation of a building, ensuring its lasting stability. In this case study, we will explore the vital role of underpinning in ensuring lasting stability and how it successfully resolved the foundation consolidation efforts at Novo Place EC.

Despite the challenges, the underpinning process was successfully completed, providing lasting stability to the foundation of Novo Place EC. The consolidation of the foundation not only stopped the further settlement of the building but also reduced the existing cracks, providing a safer and more secure environment for the residents. The structural integrity of the building was also restored, and the risk of any future issues was significantly reduced.

The Need for Underpinning at Novo Place EC