Novel method of excavation

Construction in city center areas frequently requires below ground construction of underground car parks and basements immediately adjacent to existing buildings. When existing buildings are on shallow foundations, this form of construction poses considerable risks of litigation through damage to the existing buildings caused by ground movement. Consequently, construction costs of below ground construction in this type of environment are considerably higher than above ground construction costs. This paper presents a novel methodology for carrying out this form of construction and offering the advantages of considerably reduced risk of damage to adjacent buildings while still providing a cost-effective means of construction. The paper includes sufficient detail to allow this methodology to be adopted by other practitioners.