Foundation (engineering)
Lowest and supporting layer of a structure
Template:Infobox building foundation
A foundation in engineering is the element of a structure which connects it to the ground, and transfers loads from the structure to the ground. Foundations are generally considered either shallow or deep. The design and the construction of a foundation depends on various factors such as the type of structure, the load it needs to bear, and the type of soil at the construction site.
Types of Foundations[edit | edit source]
Foundations can be broadly classified into two categories: shallow foundations and deep foundations.
Shallow Foundations[edit | edit source]
Shallow foundations are used when the surface soils are strong enough to support the imposed loads. They are typically used for small to medium-sized structures. Types of shallow foundations include:
Deep Foundations[edit | edit source]
Deep foundations are used when the surface soils are not capable of supporting the loads from the structure. They transfer the load to deeper, more stable soil or rock layers. Types of deep foundations include:
Materials Used[edit | edit source]
The materials used for foundations vary depending on the type of foundation and the conditions of the site. Common materials include:
Design Considerations[edit | edit source]
The design of a foundation involves several considerations:
- Load-bearing capacity of the soil
- Settlement of the structure
- Frost line depth
- Water table level
- Seismic activity in the area
Construction[edit | edit source]
The construction of a foundation involves several steps:
- Site investigation and soil testing
- Excavation
- Formwork and reinforcement
- Pouring concrete
- Curing
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
- Building construction
- Structural engineering
- Geotechnical engineering
- Load-bearing wall
- Retaining wall
Categories[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD