Special Foundations
“The foundation is that part of a structure in direct contact with the ground, to which it binds the structure and transfers the loads imposed by it” (Prof. Carlo Viggiani). This method is based on the excavation of the soil stabilized with drilling fluids (e.g. bentonite and/or polymer-based) and its displacement with directly pumped cement/concrete. The ground stratigraphy guides the choice of the right ingredient and any modifications. In details:
– Bentonite muds form impermeable barriers on the walls of the excavation to prevent liquid leaking in or out
– The gel strength of the mud limits its penetration into the formation, keeping the ground near the excavation stable
– Drilling fluids encapsulate sediments, facilitating their transport out of the excavation site for subsequent removal