Haseeb Jamal
05-31-2009, 12:29 PM
Foundation:
It is the lowest part of the structure which supports the structure by distributing its load on the soil and keeping it less than the bearing capacity of soil. Usually factor of safety in foundation is 2.5 - 3.0. Foundation can also be said to as the interface between the super structure and the soil.
Why do we use foundation??
If foundation is not provided the stress on the soil due to the building may exceed the bearing capacity of the soil and will fail. Thus, the foundation keeps the load on the soil in allowable range by distributing it on a vast calculated area.
Who is a foundation Engineer???
The one who has enough knowledge and experience to design the foundation. A foundation engineer must have:
Enough knowledge of scientific principles
It comes by taking specialized courses e.g. Geology, Soil Mechanics, Foundation Engineering, Structural Engineering etc.
Experience and courage to take engineering judgments
It comes by working with seniors, attending seminars and workshops etc.
Requirements of a foundation
Safety
The foundation must be stable and safe in the first place. Safety of a foundation is ensured:
1. By keeping a factor of safety.
2. By avoiding structural failure of foundation itself.
3. By avoiding the excessive settlements (Total settlement + Differential settlement)
Depth requirement:
* Depth should be such that foundation is below seasonal volumetric changes caused by freezing and thawing.
* Depth of foundation should be up to a point where changes of moisture do not occur frequently and abundantly. Erosion should also be prevented and any loose soil should not be underneath foundation e.g. Peat
Spacing requirement:
When laying a foundation the surrounding (already existing foundations of adjacent buildings) should also be considered and the new foundation should be built at a distance from it so that the previous one is not affected by digging or excavation.
Economy and functionality:
The project of foundation designing must be economical and should fulfill all the requirements, necessities and standards.
Taken from Geo Technical and Foundation Engineering Lectures (http://www.aboutcivil.com/geo-technical-foundation-engineering.html)
It is the lowest part of the structure which supports the structure by distributing its load on the soil and keeping it less than the bearing capacity of soil. Usually factor of safety in foundation is 2.5 - 3.0. Foundation can also be said to as the interface between the super structure and the soil.
Why do we use foundation??
If foundation is not provided the stress on the soil due to the building may exceed the bearing capacity of the soil and will fail. Thus, the foundation keeps the load on the soil in allowable range by distributing it on a vast calculated area.
Who is a foundation Engineer???
The one who has enough knowledge and experience to design the foundation. A foundation engineer must have:
Enough knowledge of scientific principles
It comes by taking specialized courses e.g. Geology, Soil Mechanics, Foundation Engineering, Structural Engineering etc.
Experience and courage to take engineering judgments
It comes by working with seniors, attending seminars and workshops etc.
Requirements of a foundation
Safety
The foundation must be stable and safe in the first place. Safety of a foundation is ensured:
1. By keeping a factor of safety.
2. By avoiding structural failure of foundation itself.
3. By avoiding the excessive settlements (Total settlement + Differential settlement)
Depth requirement:
* Depth should be such that foundation is below seasonal volumetric changes caused by freezing and thawing.
* Depth of foundation should be up to a point where changes of moisture do not occur frequently and abundantly. Erosion should also be prevented and any loose soil should not be underneath foundation e.g. Peat
Spacing requirement:
When laying a foundation the surrounding (already existing foundations of adjacent buildings) should also be considered and the new foundation should be built at a distance from it so that the previous one is not affected by digging or excavation.
Economy and functionality:
The project of foundation designing must be economical and should fulfill all the requirements, necessities and standards.
Taken from Geo Technical and Foundation Engineering Lectures (http://www.aboutcivil.com/geo-technical-foundation-engineering.html)