Foundation is a part of the structure which interfaces the superstructure to the adjacent zone of soil or rock below it.

The purpose of having a foundation is to transfer the superstructure loads to the underlying soil or rock without overstressing the soil or rock. Placing the footing at a sufficient depth that the soil beneath the footing is confined. If silt or sand is not, it will roll out from the footing perimeter with a loss of density and bearing capacity. Wind and water may erode sand or silt from beneath a footing that is too near the ground surface.

The three basic requirements of a satisfactory foundation

1- The foundation must be properly located with respect to any future influences which could affect its performances.

2- The foundation, including the soil below it, must be stable and safe from failure.

3- The foundation must not settle sufficiently to damage the structure.

Footing Depth and Spacing

  • The frost line
  • Zones of high volume change due to moisture fluctuations
  • Topsoil or organic material
  • Peat and muck
  • Unconsolidated material such as abandoned (or closed) garbage dumps and similarly filled in areas.

Click here to download AutoCAD file (DWF)

Share this