Technology >> Foundation

Foundation Piles Winnipeg and surrounding areas sit on the former lakebed of glacial Lake Agassiz (which ceased to exist approximately 10,000 years ago). The soil consists mainly of expansive clay up to 60 feet thick, resting on limestone bedrock. This clay has high swelling potential of up to 15,000 lbs. per sq. ft.
	Most of the approximately 160,000 single-family homes in Winnipeg are constructed on shallow footings directly on the clay. These homes have a long history of heaving associated with moisture changes in the soil. As a result of the movements, many houses suffer from cracks in walls, ceilings and basement floors, as well as uneven floors and doors that bind. In some instances the cost of repairs has been as high as 25% of the house replacement cost. Foundation piles are used to eliminate the problems associated with shifting foundations.
Piled foundations are the deep foundation systems typically used in areas of expansive soils. Piles generally range in length from 20' to 30' depending on soil conditions and loads as determined by an engineer. All Huntington homes have been constructed with engineered pile foundations since 1989.
Geotechnical Engineering Geotechnical Engineering is the investigation and engineering evaluation of earth materials including soil, rock, groundwater and man-made materials and their interaction with earth retention systems, structural foundations and other civil engineering works. The practice involves application of the principles of soil mechanics and the earth sciences, and requires knowledge of engineering principles, formulas, construction techniques and performance evaluation of civil engineering works influenced by earth materials. Geotechnical engineers investigate the soil and bedrock below a site to confirm their engineering properties as they will relate to the proposed structure. The geotechnical engineer determines and designs the type of foundations.