Details of foundation

Foundation Design Being able to complete a foundation design is a highly specialized function and usually is performed by a structural engineer. It requires study and examination of multiple components, and it is the main structure of any building, since it is the base of it. Foundation Depths The required depth of the foundation will depend on several factors like: 1. Soil bearing capacity. How much load the existing soil can withstand. 2. Type of soil. This depth will vary depending on the type of soil beneath the structure. 3. Depth of frost penetration in case of fine sand and silt. 4. Height of ground water table. This will usually be reported on the soil study. 5. The minimum depth should not be less than 18 inches to allow removal of top soil and variations in ground level. However, depending on the structure, the engineer will select the best depth. Foundation Material The foundation is usually built in brick work, masonry or concrete under the base of a wa...

Types of foundation Shallow foundations Deep foundations Shallow foundations (sometimes called 'spread footings') include pads ('isolated footings'), strip footings and rafts. Deep foundations include piles, pile walls, diaphragm walls and caissons. Types of Shallow foundations Pad foundations Strip foundations Raft foundations About Shallow foundation        Shallow foundations are those founded near to the finished ground surface; generally where the founding depth (Df) is less than the width of the footing and less than 3m. These are not strict rules, but merely guidelines: basically, if surface loading or other surface conditions will affect the bearing capacity of a foundation it is 'shallow'. Shallow foundations (sometimes called 'spread footings') include pads ('isolated footings'), strip footings and rafts. Shallows foundations are used when surface soils are sufficiently strong and stiff to support the impose...