Foundation Fundamentals

A foundation is an element of a structure that takes and distributes loads safely through the soil.

The foundation spreads the load into a larger area, reducing the pressure imposed on the soil underneath it.

A good foundation prevents or reduces the effect of all types of settlement, ensuring it is not harmful to the structure.

<p>The pressure imposed on the soil must be less than the allowable bearing capacity of the soil.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is important to consider the condition to ensure the foundation does not exceed the capacity of the soil and lead to failure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Subsurface exploration is the process of identifying the layers of deposits underneath a proposed structure and their physical characteristics. It is important in geotechnical engineering as it helps in selecting a suitable foundation type and depth, evaluating load-bearing capacity, estimating settlement, identifying potential foundation problems, determining the groundwater table, predicting lateral earth pressure, and establishing construction methods for changing subsoil conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main objectives of subsurface exploration are: 1) Selecting a suitable type and depth of foundation, 2) Evaluating the load-bearing capacity of the foundation, 3) Estimating the probable settlement of a structure, 4) Determining potential foundation problems, 5) Determining the groundwater table, 6) Predicting the lateral earth pressure for structures, and 7) Establishing construction methods for changing subsoil conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Subsurface exploration is necessary for additions and alterations to existing structures to understand the underlying soil conditions and assess the feasibility and potential challenges of the proposed changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Subsurface exploration provides geotechnical engineers with information about the layers of deposits, physical characteristics of the soil, suitable foundation types and depths, load-bearing capacity, settlement estimates, potential foundation problems, groundwater table, lateral earth pressure predictions, and construction methods for changing subsoil conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Subsurface exploration provides information about the soil conditions, such as the type and strength of the deposits, which helps in selecting a suitable foundation type and depth based on the load-bearing capacity and settlement requirements of the structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers