When it comes to steel building construction, building on a high-quality foundation is an essential aspect of any successful project.
That’s why, when performing groundworks for prefabricated steel buildings, you must ensure that your foundation is properly designed, made of high-quality materials, and takes into account several critical factors such as geographic location, building permits, and the structure itself.
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of high-quality groundwork, what makes a good foundation, and how Hamilton Steel can help.
The importance of high-quality groundworks for prefabricated steel buildings
High-quality groundwork prior to the erection of a structure is critical to its performance. Poor foundations increase the likelihood of damage from settlement and extreme weather, which raises safety concerns, increases the possibility of costly repairs and has the potential to shorten the lifespan of a building.
By laying a strong foundation, you reduce the likelihood of future issues in your project. Good quality groundwork reduces the likelihood of structural failures and subsidence. Installing quality drainage systems as part of this process will also prevent water accumulation, reducing the risk of dampness or erosion beneath and around the building.
High-quality groundwork will also help to ensure that UK building regulations and safety standards are met from the start. This will help to prevent any issues related to non-compliance and reduce the risks of accidents on the site, thereby protecting workers and anyone else who may come into contact with the installation.
What makes a strong foundation for a steel building
Typically, high-quality foundations for prefabricated steel buildings are:
Built with a solid concrete base
The majority of the time, steel buildings will require a concrete foundation, typically being slab-on-grade.
A concrete slab base can improve the longevity of a prefabricated steel building. Unlike other types of foundation, high-quality concrete is not prone to rot or decay caused by moisture or pests, allowing the base to provide long-term support for your building while reducing the risk of damage.
A strong concrete slab base can support the weight of a steel structure while withstanding the wear and tear of daily use.
Built on high-quality soil
When constructing a foundation, it is critical to use soil with adequate bearing capacity to ensure stability.
Without proper soil compaction, the foundation may be unable to support weight, resulting in sinking or shifting. This causes serious problems such as uneven floors, damage to your settling, and other issues.
Therefore, it’s important to have a soil survey conducted by a licensed professional to give you an insight into the composition of the soil on your construction site. It will tell you how the soil is layered, what soil types are present at your site, and the soil’s load-bearing capacity.
Different soils can vary in load-bearing capacities. Selecting a soil type capable of supporting the weight of your steel structure can directly impact the longevity of a building. If the survey results show that the soil types do not meet your structure’s requirements, you can replace them with a higher-quality fill to provide structural support.
Comply with building codes and regulations
When laying foundations, all engineers must consider the building codes for the grounds in their respective areas.
Building codes for foundations generally cover:
- The allowed depth and width of the foundation, with each being different depending on the ground conditions
- The amount and type of concrete allowed for use will be determined by the land’s requirements, which include strength, water ratio, and aggregate size
- Mandatory soil tests to ensure that the foundation meets safety and performance standards. This is because the soil determines factors such as size, type, reinforcement, and depth
All foundations must follow any area-specific regulations that have been established to ensure that the foundation is not having a negative impact on the surrounding area.
Designed by a structural engineer
In most cases, a foundation should be designed by a licensed structural engineer. Designing and installing high-quality foundations requires specialised knowledge and skills that can only be trusted by trained and experienced professionals.
A structural engineer will understand the best practices for designing steel building foundations and will use their experience and expertise to create a strong and resilient foundation system for your prefabricated steel structure that will withstand the test of time.
How Hamilton Steel can help
At Hamilton Steel, we are fully qualified to provide professional, expert groundwork services for prefabricated steel buildings.
Our specialist team will conduct a ground investigation on your site to determine the soil and rock composition and characteristics, as well as excavation, drainage system development, foundation design and installation. Our experienced, specialist team will provide you with a full turnkey solution from the first consultation to installation, producing a high-quality foundation for your steel structure.
You can learn more about our groundwork services here. For a professional, efficient solution, contact us today.
