Standard Repair Covenants in Industrial Lease Agreements
Standard repair covenants transfer ongoing building maintenance to tenants while legal limits cap end-of-lease dilapidation liabilities at actual market value loss.
Structural Underpin
Meaning
Foundation reinforcement techniques increase the load-bearing capacity of an existing building by extending its footings into deeper soil. Installing a structural underpin becomes necessary when the original foundation shifts, sinks, or fails to support the building’s weight. This engineering solution transfers the weight of the structure to more stable soil or rock layers below.
It stops further settlement and restores the stability of the entire property, allowing for safe occupancy and future additions.
Construction Method
Excavation is completed in sequential sections to prevent the building from collapsing during the reinforcement process. Workers dig pits beneath the existing foundation and fill them with concrete to form a new structural underpin. This sequential method is known as mass concrete underpinning.
It ensures that the building remains supported by the unexcavated sections at all times.
Alternative Approach
Micropiles and screw piles offer modern alternatives to traditional hand-dug concrete pits. These steel piles are driven deep into the ground to create a structural underpin with minimal soil excavation. This approach is highly effective in areas with high water tables or limited access.
It also reduces the vibration and noise that can damage neighboring structures.
Project Risk
Sewer pipes and utility lines must be carefully mapped before subterranean work begins. Accidentally hitting a main pipe can cause flooding, delaying the structural underpin project. This risk requires thorough scans and hand-digging around utilities.