Construction of buildings with underground levels - uses underpinning element allowing simultaneous construction of above and below ground levels

摘要

The construction consists of erecting underpinning elements (1) in an excavation, the element having continuous partitions (2), with buttresses (3) fitting into shoes (4). The aboveground and underground levels of the building can then be constructed simultaneously, the aboveground levels being supported by the underpinning and the underpinning in turn supporting the underground levels. On completion, the framework of the underground levels can either be provided with their own supports, support the underpinning or be suspended from it. In the last two cases parts of the underpinning may be removed at completion and then the load is gradually tranferred to other supports enabling differential settlement to be compensated for.