Introduction
In 2022, ASRS Ltd and ABC Anchors collaborated on an essential project to reinforce and stabilise the failing foundations of Taunton Bandstand in Somerset. This historic structure, built during the Edwardian era between 1902 and 1913, serves as a cherished community landmark, hosting carollers, musical bands, and live performances.
The bandstand had shown significant signs of subsidence due to unfavourable ground conditions, particularly the wet clay soil that had begun to erode, causing cracks in the soil beneath the structure. To address this, ASRS utilised ABC Anchors' 60R underpinning brackets, installing screw piles around the bandstand's footings and stabilising the foundations with underpinning jacks.
Assessing the Challenge
The Taunton Bandstand required a robust stabilisation technique to halt the subsidence that threatened the integrity of its foundations. The subsidence was primarily due to a combination of poor ground conditions and prolonged weathering. Over the years, natural factors had led to the formation of cracks in the underlying clay soil. These vertical cracks indicated soil separation, a clear sign of foundation settling.
Foundation settling occurs when the foundations sink over time due to soil expansion, contraction, or shifts that create voids. Contributing factors include changes in moisture content, inadequate soil compaction during the initial construction, and local vegetation extracting moisture from the ground. If left unaddressed, these issues could have led to further damage, potentially compromising the structural integrity of the bandstand.
Implementing the Underpinning Solution
To mitigate the subsidence and provide long-term stability to the Taunton Bandstand, ASRS Ltd partnered with ABC Anchors to supply and install the 60R screw pile system. These screw piles, designed to support loads of up to 60kN when installed with the excavator-mounted 500X, were ideal for this project.
The installation process involved fitting the underpinning brackets and screw piles directly into the bandstand’s foundation footings. This approach effectively supported the structure from its base, preventing further subsidence and preserving the bandstand’s historical features. The use of screw piles ensured minimal disruption to the site while providing a reliable solution to the subsidence problem.
Conclusion
The successful completion of this project resulted in the stabilisation and preservation of Taunton Bandstand. The structure is now securely supported at its foundations, with key underpinning elements designed to withstand natural erosion for over a century. The original features and ground conditions have been carefully preserved, ensuring that this iconic bandstand will continue to serve the Taunton community for generations to come.
ASRS Ltd partnered with ABC Anchors on this important project, contributing to the preservation of such a beautiful and historically significant structure.
About ASRS Ltd
ASRS Ltd, based in Yeovil and London, provides a comprehensive range of structural repair services across the southern districts of the UK. The company specialises in the maintenance of concrete and stone structures, including bridge and cavity wall repairs, as well as offering screw piling solutions for various construction needs. With a commitment to quality and long-term durability, ASRS Ltd continues to support the preservation and maintenance of important architectural structures throughout the region.
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