 |
|
 |
 New Jersey
home inspection NJ home
inspectors perform
Certified New Jersey home
inspections in NJ.
CAISSONS or PILES:
Although a caisson is usually poured into a
predrilled hole in the earth and a pile is
usually pounded into the earth until it reaches
bedrock, both serve much the same purpose.
Caissons or piles are found mostly in hillside
construction and in unstable soils construction.
The caissons are large concrete
"columns" which are poured into
drilled holes which reach down to bedrock, or
more stable soil. Concrete foundations, or
"grade beams," are often poured atop
the caissons in such a fashion as to make the
caissons not apparent. The foundation often
appears to be a simple raised and stepped
foundation. Sometimes dirt will wash from under
the grade beams giving the appearance of an
undercut foundation. This usually is not a
structural concern. The extent of the property
owner's duties are to make sure dirt does not
wash from under the grade beams. Any undercut
areas should be filled with concrete or dirt
however, to prevent excessive water from running
under the building. Whether caissons are present
or not is sometimes difficult to determine. The
inspector usually will have learned of them from
the property owner.
The above information was provided by TWI Systems Copyright 1995-2005 1-800-553-5660 |
