22 Questions
What is the Latin word that 'foundation' comes from?
Fundare
What is the primary purpose of a foundation in a structure?
To distribute the weight of the structure over a large area of soil
What is the main reason for choosing different types of foundations?
Depending on the soil profile, size, and load of the structure
What is the term for the type of foundation that is used to distribute loads of structural or nonstructural load-bearing walls to the ground?
Continuous Footing
What is the ultimate goal of a foundation in terms of soil settlement?
To ensure the settlement of the whole structure remains within a tolerable limit
What is the term for the type of foundation that is classified based on the depth of the soil at which it is placed?
Shallow and Deep Foundation
What is the purpose of a foundation in terms of the structural stability?
To increase the structural stability
What is the primary factor that determines the bearing capacity of the soil?
The type of soil
What is the primary reason for considering strap footing?
When the bearing capacity of the soil is low and the footing overlap each other
What is the typical depth to width ratio of a deep foundation?
Greater than 4 to 5
What is the primary function of sheet piles?
To provide earth retention and excavation support
What is the maximum load that a timber pile is designed for?
15 to 25 tons/pile
What type of foundation is used when the bearing capacity of the soil is inadequate?
Raft or mat foundation
What is the primary purpose of piles in deep foundations?
To transmit loads to soil strata which are beyond the reach of shallow foundations
What is the function of a group of piles driven in a pattern?
To compact a surface layer of loose granular soil to increase its bearing capacity
What type of foundation is placed at a greater depth below the ground surface?
Deep foundation
What is the primary purpose of a pier foundation?
To transmit a massive load that cannot be carried by shallow foundations
What is the main function of a helical flange on a steel pile?
To help insert the pile into the ground and secure it in place
What is a characteristic of composite piles?
They consist of two different materials driven one over the other
What type of foundation is typically used in structures that require a foundation beneath a river or similar water bodies?
Caisson foundation
What is a common application of caisson foundations?
Construction of a dam
How do steel piles resemble screws?
They have a helical flange
Study Notes
Foundation Definition and Purpose
- The word "foundation" comes from the Latin word "fundatio" or "fundare", meaning "to lay a base for", "confirm", or "establish".
- A foundation is a part of a structure that transfers the load from the structure to a large area of soil, ensuring the soil's ultimate bearing capacity is not exceeded.
Types of Foundations
- Shallow foundations:
- Distribute the weight of the structure over a large area of soil
- Prevent unequal settlement and lateral movement of the structure
- Deep foundations:
- Placed at a greater depth below the ground surface
- Transfer structure loads to the earth at depth
- Depth to width ratio is usually greater than 4 to 5
Shallow Foundation Types
- Single Pad Footing
- Stepped Footing for a Column
- Sloped Footing for a Column
- Wall Footing without Step
- Stepped Footing for Walls
- Grillage Foundation (also known as continuous footing)
- Combined Footing
- Strap Footing
Deep Foundation Types
- Piles:
- Reduce cost
- Transmit loads to soil strata beyond shallow foundations
- Sheet Piles:
- Provide earth retention and excavation support
- Used to transfer vertical loads from the structure to the soil
- Timber Piles:
- Designed for a maximum load of 15 to 25 tons/pile
- Concrete Piles:
- Driven deep into the ground to support the structure
- Steel Piles:
- A big screw made of galvanized steel with a helical flange
- Composite Piles:
- Two different materials driven one over the other
- Pier:
- Underground structure that transmits a more massive load
- Shallower than piles
- Caisson Foundation:
- Watertight retaining structure used as a bridge pier, construction of a dam, etc.
- Used in structures that require a foundation beneath a river or similar water bodies.
Explore the origins and meanings of the term 'foundation' and its Latin roots. Learn about the evolution of the word from Old French to English.
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