The art of underpinning structures is as old as that of building itself, going back to ancient times. The purpose of this is to increase the size or depth of a structure’s foundation. This is called remedial underpinning. It is a specialised form of construction and needs to be performed by experienced foundation specialists and engineers.
There are many methods but the most common is placing friction type piles under the foundation wall. Holes are drilled under the wall, the footing and top structure is hydraulically jacked up to level and then these holes are filled with concrete and reinforcing steel to under the existing footing. Affordable Foundations Ltd has been underpinning homes for 25 years and will answer any questions you have regarding this technique.