2. A foundation is the element of an architectural
structure which connects it to the ground, and
transfers loads from the structure to the ground.
OR
The foundation of a building is that part of walls,
piers and columns in direct contact with the
ground and transmitting loads to the ground.
Every building needs a foundation of some kind.
3. To distribute the load of the structure over a large
bearing area so as to bring the intensity of load within
the safe bearing capacity of soil.
To load the bearing surface at a uniform rate to avoid
differential settlement.
To prevent the lateral movement of supporting material.
To attain a level and firm bed for building operations.
To increase the stability of the structure as a whole.
4. Soil types and ground water table conditions.
Structural requirements and foundations.
Construction requirements.
Site condition and environmental factor.
Economy etc.
5. Footings are structural elements, which
transfer loads from earth retaining
structures. In order to transfer these loads
properly to the soil, footing must be design
to…
1. Prevent excessive settlement
2. Minimize differential settlement
3. Provide adequate safety against
overturning and sliding.
7. ◦ The foundation provided immediately below the
lowest part of the structure near the ground level,
transferring load directly to the supporting soil, is
known as shallow foundation.
◦ Shallow foundation is provided when stable soil
with adequate bearing capacity occur near to the
ground level.
13. The shallow foundations may not be
economical or even possible when the soil
bearing capacity near the surface is too low.
In those cases deep foundations are used to
transfer loads to a stronger layer, which may
be located at a significant depth below the
ground surface. The load is transferred
through skin friction and end bearing.
14. Pier foundations are commonly constructed of
reinforced masonry (brick or concrete block)
supported by individual, reinforced-concrete
pad footings or by continuous, reinforced-
concrete spread footings. For pier-and-beam
foundations, pier spacing will also depend
upon arrangement of floor framing,
particularly the location of bearing walls and
partitions.
