Etymology of Foundation

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Questions and Answers

What is the Latin word that 'foundation' comes from?

Fundare (correct)

Fondare

Fundatio

Fonder

What is the primary purpose of a foundation in a structure?

To distribute the weight of the structure over a large area of soil (correct)

To reduce the cost of construction

To increase the height of the structure

To provide aesthetic appeal to the structure

What is the main reason for choosing different types of foundations?

To increase the structural stability

Depending on the soil profile, size, and load of the structure (correct)

To reduce the construction time

To provide a unique design to 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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a foundation in terms of the structural stability?

To increase the structural stability Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that determines the bearing capacity of the soil?

The type of soil Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for considering strap footing?

When the bearing capacity of the soil is low and the footing overlap each other Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical depth to width ratio of a deep foundation?

Greater than 4 to 5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sheet piles?

To provide earth retention and excavation support Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum load that a timber pile is designed for?

15 to 25 tons/pile Signup and view all the answers

What type of foundation is used when the bearing capacity of the soil is inadequate?

Raft or mat foundation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of piles in deep foundations?

To transmit loads to soil strata which are beyond the reach of shallow foundations Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What type of foundation is placed at a greater depth below the ground surface?

Deep foundation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a pier foundation?

To transmit a massive load that cannot be carried by shallow foundations Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of composite piles?

They consist of two different materials driven one over the other Signup and view all the answers

What type of foundation is typically used in structures that require a foundation beneath a river or similar water bodies?

Caisson foundation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application of caisson foundations?

Construction of a dam Signup and view all the answers

How do steel piles resemble screws?

They have a helical flange Signup and view all the answers

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.

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Description

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.