Building structure settlement damage prevention system - uses compression springs maintaining support of building when foundation drops

摘要

Compression springs are incorporated in a building structure as a means for preventing building damage by mining subsidence. The function of the springs is to permit relative vertical movement between part of the foundation and the rest of the building structure, thus compensating for foundation settlement. The springs are pre-compressed and are installed typically in the cellar walls, the plane of a damp-proof course or other joint intersecting the springs. The compression force in the springs may be adjusted, and the spring modulus chosen so that the expected degree of foundation settlement will not result in serious loss of supporting reaction.