Load-bearing elements
Expertise
Load-bearing elements are reinforced concrete foundation elements, to which struts are attached, made from concrete elements or integral prefabricated concrete piers or metal uprights.
Load-bearing elements can be straight, X-shaped, or H-shaped.
To lay load-bearing elements, boreholes are drilled using a cable-operated excavator, hydraulic excavator, or cutter. The upright or, as applicable, reinforcement can then be set up; the load-bearing element is then concreted using a tremie pipe.
Use of load-bearing elements
- Transfer of heavy loads to solid ground to limit compaction of structures
- Retaining groundwork with integral piers
- Top-down construction (elimination of struts or tie beams)
- Anchorage of underground raft foundations
- Retaining groundwork with integral piers
- Top-down construction (elimination of struts or tie beams)
- Anchorage of underground raft foundations
