here are a few questions and answers about building construction, that will help you in your academic studies. thanks'

1. What is foundation? and purpose of foundation?
A foundation is the element of a structure which connects it to the ground, transferring loads
from the structure to the ground.
Purpose of foundation are:
• To distribute the load of the structure over a large bearing area so as to bring intensity
of loading within the safe bearing capacity of the soil lying underneath.
• To load the bearing surface at a uniform rate so as to prevent unequal settlement.
• To prevent the lateral movement of the supporting material.
• To secure a level and firm bed for building operations.
• To increase the stability of the structure as a whole.
What is sub-surface investigation?
The subsurface investigation is the primary method for gathering the data to generate a report
of geotechnical engineering recommendations. Subsurface investigations include the
sampling and examination of the below surface materials including soil, rock, groundwater
and any manmade materials.
What is sub-surface investigation?
Laboratory test of soil is to measure the shear strength of the soil Direct shear test Triaxial
compression test Unconfined compression test Vane shear test Depending upon the drainage
conditions. There are three types of tests Unconsolidated-Undrained condition Consolidated.
Method of sub-surface investigation.
• Conventional Soil Borings
• Test Pits
• Cone Penetrometer Testing
Bearing Capacity of soil.
The capacity of soil to resist external load applied to it. In simple terms, it is the capacity of
soil to support the load without failure.
In other words, bearing capacity of the soil is defined as the maximum coverage contact
pressure between the foundation and the soil which should not produce shear failure in the
soil.
Methods of determining bearing capacity
• Presumptive Analysis
• Analytical Methods
• Plate Bearing Test
• Penetration Test
• Modern Testing Methods
• Centrifuge Test

2. Define load on foundation?
Dead load:
This is the sum of loads comprising the self weight of the structure, footing , foundation and
load of materials used for the various components of a building such as walls, floors, roofs
etc. All permanent loads are included in dead loads.
Live load:
This is the movable load on the floor and hence it is variable. It is also known as super
imposed load. It includes the load of persons standing on a floor, weight of the materials
temporarily stored on a floor, weight on roof etc.
Wind load:
In case of tall buildings, the effect due to wind should be considered. The exposed sides of
walls and roofs of the buildings are subjected to wind pressure.
Define brick masonry.
An assemblage of bricks properly bounded together in mortar is called brick masonry or brick
work. Or the art of brick laying in mortar in such a manner as to form a well united mass
known as brick work or brick masonry.
Purpose of frog.
The frog reduces the amount of material used to form the brick, makes it easier to remove
from the form, and gives the completed wall better shear resistance. It may also help heat
reach the centre of clay bricks in the kiln.
Define Bond? Any three bonds.
Bond, in masonry, systematic arrangement of bricks or other building units composing a wall
or structure in such a way as to ensure its stability and strength.
Stretcher Bond.
In this type of Bond all the bricks are laid as stretchers, that is length wise, This bond is used-
in half brick thick walls.
Header Bond
In this bond, all the bricks are laid all headers. The elevation of the wall laid in header. This
bond is used for curved surfaces in work such as well lining or well foundation etc.
English bond
This is the most common and popular bond and is used in most of the structures. The
English bond consists of alternate layers of headers and stretchers. That is to say, one layer
will be of stretchers and the other layer of headers.

3. How we can improve weak soil?
The following techniques can be used for improving bearing capacity of soil as per the site
condition.
• Increasing depth of foundation
• Draining the soil
• Compacting the soil
• Confining the soil
• Replacing the poor soil
• Using grouting material
• Stabilizing the soil with chemicals
Mortar? Function of mortar?
Mortar is a workable paste which hardens to bind building blocks such as stones, bricks, and
concrete masonry units, to fill and seal the irregular gaps between them, spread the weight of
them evenly, and sometimes to add decorative colors or patterns to masonry walls.
The main functions of mortar are:
• Mortar acts as adhesive, binding the bricks or stones together in the solid mass.
• To protect the joints of the structure.
• To protect the surfaces of brick and stone masonry.
• To create an even bedding layer in between the different courses of masonry works
and distribute the loads evenly on the lower layers.
• To form a matrix to hold the pieces of the stone together and form the mass of
concrete.
• To fill the joints between the bricks or stones for making then water tight and to
mould.
• To improve the appearance of the structure.
How we can use admixtures?
Admixtures are used in concrete to alter its properties in various ways. Some common uses
include improving workability, increasing or decreasing cure time, and increasing concrete
strength. Admixtures can also be used for aesthetic reasons, such as to change the color of the
cement.