Is the rubble part of the structural foundation

Question

Hi there.

I'm currently wanting to up do my cellar. It's has brick walls all around the cellar. As you go down the steps to the left. There's a wall that has been broken down. Which then as uncovered a mound of rubble. That's kinda like soil material. The mound is probable just over a meter high. But does go higher towards the back wall. In the middle of this back wall there is a chimney breast. My question is can I remove the rubble. To create more room. The rubble does easily pull apart.

Oleh · Answer

That rubble might not actually be part of the structural foundation — often in old cellars it was just used as infill. But since it’s near a chimney breast and load-bearing walls, it’s risky to remove it without knowing what it supports. Best to get a structural engineer or surveyor to check before you start digging, otherwise you could undermine the wall or chimney.

Ryan · Answer

You absolutely can do that. This is just waste rubble although I would check the foundation of the current walls.

Marius · Answer

Can you remove the rubble?

Probably yes, if the rubble isn’t supporting anything structural.

But be careful: rubble like that could be filling in old foundations or supporting the chimney breast or walls.

What you should do:

Get a structural engineer or builder to inspect it first.
They’ll check if removing the rubble is safe and won’t cause damage.

If it’s safe, you can remove the rubble to create more space.

Be prepared for the possibility that you might need to add support (like new foundations or props) once the rubble is gone.

Anouar · Answer

That’s is just rubble , the building is sitting on a foundation that has been dogged up to a metre down. Then concrete poured , then brick work is built the house. But do get a second option before you do anything from an experienced builder.

Artemis · Answer

Hi,
I assume this is an old building, in older times they used to use rubble infill below ground floors etc… 
This would not be structural or as a foundation type of any kind, the only thing it might have been used as a support for the wall to resist earth pressure. I have seen these types in older cellars. (Some photos might help to make sure)
The only thing I am afraid if you remove it and it has been used as a kind of support (possible) your walls might start to lean inwards over time (not a high chance but possible as said without checking or photos cannot he sure)
But overall it would be an issue just make sure you insulate for moisture travelling upwards etc..

Liam · Answer

In older properties, what looks like rubble or soil might be original backfill, acting as support against the wall or even buttressing the chimney breast. Removing it without knowing what it’s holding up can destabilise the wall or chimney, no photos ?

Gareth · Answer

Yes you can remove rubble as will not be structural please remember if your doing this in a confined space remember ppe especially a mask

Martynas · Answer

Yes, the rubble can be removed, but only once you’re sure it’s not providing support to the chimney breast or cellar walls. Don’t just start digging without checking with a pro.

Paul · Answer

The mount of rubble will be old build waste and will not structural. Unless bonded with cement creating a buttress effect to support wall . If you can move it with your hands it save to dispose of👍

Harsimran · Answer

Yes, you can remove the rubble, but you should first check if it's:
Structural fill (supporting the floor or wall),
Covering a void or access (like a drain, well, or crawl space),
Or part of the original foundation.
Consult a structural engineer or builder before full removal to avoid undermining the structure.

Is the rubble part of the structural foundation

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