What is Foundation | Structural Guide

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In this article, we are discussing what is foundation. Why do we need the foundation and what it is? Foundation is a major component of all the structures. No structure is built without a foundation.

Let’s see what is foundation.

What is Foundation

Foundation is the structural element that transfers the superstructure load to the substructure while maintaining the stability of the whole structure.

Structures are subjected to different types of loads such as vertical loads and horizontal loads mainly. There may be inclined loads also. The application of the load may depend based on the load type. Dead loads are continuously applied load on the structure and live loads will be changing from time to time.

Earthquake loads are types of loads applied on a structure occasionally and the method of application is also different. It results in the movement of the structure vertical and horizontally for a shorter period.

All these types of action shall be able to bearded by the foundation of the structure. These load applications shall be studied by the designer before thinking about what is foundation and what the foundation does.

What Foundation do

The main function of the foundation can be listed as follows.

  • Safely transfer the superstructure load which will be applied as vertical and lateral loads, to the ground.
  • Maintain the stability of the structure
  • Avoid any differential settlements
  • Hold the structure of its design life
  • Maintain the structural capacity and its condition unchanged d

The answer to the questing of what is foundation could be with the above points. These reveal the functions of the foundation. For safe structure, the foundation as well as the other structural element shall be good enough to carry the structural load and have adequate structural capacity.

Foundations are constructed in a highly unknown condition not unlike the superstructure through the ground investigation provides a certain amount of information.

There are many occasions of foundation failure and structural failure due to the incorrect interpretation of ground condition and the wrong date provided in the soil investigation.

We shall not limit the information provided in the geotechnical investigation date as errors in such dates could lead to serious issues in the foundations.

The nature of the structure, applied load, ground conditions, etc. are key aspects of selecting a suitable foundation.

Mainly there are two types of foundations namely, shallow foundations and deep foundations.

Different types of footings, combined footings, strip footings, mat foundations, etc. are considered shallow foundations and pile foundation types such as cast in situ bored piles, driven piles, micro piles, diaphragm walls, etc. can be considered deep foundations.

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