Chemical Injections Realized with Null Pressure for Underpinning the Foundation of an 18th Century Building Located in the Historical City of Cuenca (Spain)

Abstract

Chemical injection of expansive polyurethane resin in the ground is a well-known technology that is also used for underpinning shallow foundations. It is noteworthy that it has been recently used with success on buildings of great historic value that are part of the country’s architectural heritage. This article describes the work undertaken on a historic building located in the city of Cuenca (Spain), for improving ground condition through injecting below foundation, in order to stop the differential settlements detected in the structure. This technology has proven to be, at least, as effective as the more conventional methods used in the past as supporting the foundation by concrete shafts or micropiles.

Keywords

• underpinning
• chemical injection
• expansive resins
• heritage
• historical buildings