ABSTRACT
Underpinning by the process of installing piles through existing structures was evolved by Dr F. Lizzi, of Fondedile SpA, Italy, in about 1952, for strengthening foundations subject to settlement or required to support additional load. Because the piles had to be installed through the existing masonry or concrete foundations, and occasionally old timber piles, with minimal disturbance, special piles were developed. These were of the bored injection grouted type and were originally called pali radice (root piles) by Fondedile because of their resemblance to the roots of trees. Today they are usually known as mini piles or micro piles to differentiate them from those in traditional use for structural support.
