A novel preloading method for foundation underpinning for the remodeling of an existing building

The utilization of buildings can be improved by extending them vertically. However, the added load of the extension might require building foundations to be underpinned; otherwise, the loads on the foundations might exceed their bearing capacity. In this study, a preloading method was presented aiming at transferring partial loads from existing piles to underpinning piles. A pneumatic-type model preloading device was developed and used to carry out centrifuge experiments to evaluate the load–displacement behavior of piles, the pile–soil interaction during preloading, and the additional loading caused by vertical extension. The results showed that the preloading devices effectively transfer load from existing piles to underpinning piles. In the additional loading test of group piles, the load-sharing ratio of a pile increased with its stiffness. The load-sharing ratio of a preloaded micropile was less than that of a non-preloaded micropile as a result of the reduction in axial stiffness caused by preloading before additional loading. Therefore, a slight reduction of the load-sharing capacity of an underpinning pile should be considered if the preloading method is applied. Further, two full scale preloading devices was developed. The devices preload underpinning piles and thereby produce reaction forces on a reaction frame to jack existing piles upward, thus transferring load from the existing piles to the underpinning piles. Specifically, screw-type and hydraulic-jack type devices were developed for the practical application of foundation underpinning during vertical extension, and their operability and load transfer effect verified via full-scale structural experiments.