Perimeter walls

Abstract

The present application describes methods and apparatus for installing a load bearing pile 1 which is installed in the line of a perimeter wall, in particular to a perimeter wall consisting of a series of diaphragm wall panels. In this way substantial concentrated vertical loads can be carried in the line of a perimeter or retaining wall, in particular

1 . A foundation structure comprising a load bearing element positioned between adjacent elements of a perimeter wall.  
     
     
         2 . A foundation element as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the load bearing element extends from a level above that of the perimeter wall to a level below that of the perimeter wall.  
     
     
         3 . A foundation element as claimed in  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the load bearing element comprises a concrete column having a reinforcement section provided along a longitudinal axis thereof.  
     
     
         4 . A foundation element as claim in  claim 3 , wherein the reinforcement section comprises a steel “I” section.  
     
     
         6 . A foundation element as claimed in  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the elements of the perimeter wall comprise diaphragm wall panels.  
     
     
         7 . A foundation element as claimed in  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the elements of the perimeter wall comprise sheet piles.  
     
     
         8 . A foundation element as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the sheet piles may be inter-locking or discrete elements.  
     
     
         9 . A foundation element as claimed in  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the elements of the perimeter wall comprise complementary male and female piles.  
     
     
         10 . A method of constructing a perimeter wall, the method comprising the formation of at least one load bearing element in the ground between adjacent elements of the perimeter wall.  
     
     
         11 . A method as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the method comprises the steps of: 
 i) forming the load bearing element in the plane of the proposed perimeter wall; and    ii) forming perimeter wall elements either side of the load bearing element.    
     
     
         12 . A method as claimed in  claim 10  or  11 , wherein the load bearing element extends from a level above that of the perimeter wall to a level below that of the perimeter wall.  
     
     
         13 . A method as claimed in any one of claims  10  or  11 , wherein the load bearing element comprises a concrete column having a reinforcement section provided along a longitudinal axis thereof.