Barrette Foundations are large, high capacity load bearing units based on the application of diaphragm walling construction methods of excavation under slurry. Barrettes are frequently used in conjunction with diaphragm wall construction because the methods and equipment used for construction are common to both techniques. This makes Barrettes an ideal foundation solution under high rise buildings with deep basement excavations.
Rail Bridge Barrette Columns, Monnaie, France
Barrettes are constructed by excavating with diaphragm wall clamshells through a ground supporting fluid suspension, usually bentonite or polymer and are hence basically rectangular in shape or, particularly for large barrettes, they can comprise of joined rectangular sections. Excavation can penetrate rock to accommodate high loadings and the concrete backfilling can be terminated at any depth.
Due to their massive size barrettes lend themselves to either conventional basement construction or top down methods; this latter method can be achieved by extending the barrette to ground surface level or, if the barrette sections are considered too large in the context of parking arrangements, plunge columns of smaller section can be placed into the barrettes. Provision for slab connections can be easily provided which ever option is preferred.
Advantages of using barrettes:
Completed Barrette Columns: Rail Bridge, Monnaie, France