Foundations of Structural Engineering

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a foundation in a building structure?

  • To provide insulation from the ground
  • To support the decorative features of a building
  • To transfer the load of the building to the ground (correct)
  • To hold the structure above ground

Which factor is NOT considered when choosing a foundation type?

  • Groundwater Levels
  • Color of the building materials (correct)
  • Structure Type
  • Ground Conditions

Which type of foundation is best suited for a small residential home?

  • Raft foundations
  • Caissons
  • Pad footings (correct)
  • Bored piles

For which type of structure are piles most commonly used?

<p>Bridges and tall buildings (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using raft (mat) foundations?

<p>They distribute weight across a wide area (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of strip foundations?

<p>They are suitable for structures with long walls (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which foundation type is most appropriate for weak soil conditions?

<p>Piles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What purpose do pile caps serve?

<p>To distribute loads evenly among piles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of deep foundation is known for being large and watertight?

<p>Caisson (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the site environment influence foundation selection?

<p>Nearby buildings may constrain construction options (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an important goal when selecting a type of foundation?

<p>Ensuring quick construction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of foundation is primarily designed to reduce pressure on weak soil?

<p>Raft (mat) foundations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would piles be the best choice for foundation?

<p>A bridge over water (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of pile caps?

<p>To connect and distribute loads from multiple piles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason shallow foundations might not be used for high-rise buildings?

<p>They do not provide enough stability for heavy loads (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes driven piles compared to bored piles?

<p>They are pre-made and hammered into the ground (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do groundwater levels affect foundation selection?

<p>They influence the depth and type of foundation required (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using strip foundations?

<p>They necessitate a continuous strip of concrete (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For which of the following structures is a caisson typically used?

<p>A bridge pier in water (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is least likely to affect the choice of foundation type?

<p>Nearby trees and vegetation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of deep foundations compared to shallow foundations?

<p>They are used for buildings with heavy loads. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which foundation type is most appropriate for structures built on soft soil?

<p>Raft foundations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are driven piles preferred in certain construction scenarios?

<p>They provide immediate load-bearing capability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of using pile caps in a foundation system?

<p>They distribute loads evenly among piles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of foundation would be suitable for a structure with long walls and evenly distributed loads?

<p>Strip foundations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When would caissons typically be used in construction?

<p>For bridge piers in water (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor when determining the type of foundation to use?

<p>Groundwater levels at the site (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a raft foundation?

<p>A large slab that supports multiple structural elements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would strip foundations be less suitable?

<p>In conditions with high water tables (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do bored piles involve during installation?

<p>Drilling into the ground followed by placing concrete (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Foundation

The part of a structure that transfers the load to the ground, ensuring stability.

Superstructure

The part of a structure above ground (walls, floors, roof).

Substructure

The part of a structure below ground (foundation/basement).

Shallow Foundation

Foundation that distributes the load over shorter soil depths.

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Pad footing

Shallow foundation supporting a column with a square/circular slab.

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Strip Foundation

Shallow foundation supporting walls with a strip of concrete.

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Raft Foundation

Shallow foundation (a large slab) distributing loads over multiple walls/columns.

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Deep Foundation

Foundation that transfers load to a deeper level of soil/rock.

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Pile

Long, slender column driven into ground to transfer load to deeper soil or rock.

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Pile Cap

The slab that evenly distributes the load from piles to the structure.

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Caisson

Watertight box sunk into the ground filled with concrete, used for bridge piers.

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Ground Conditions

Soil or rock type and strength, affecting foundation choice.

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Groundwater Levels

Water table depth affecting foundation susceptibility to water damage.

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Structure Type

Building type (residential, commercial, high-rise), influencing foundation design.

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Foundation

Part of a structure that supports the building's weight and transfers it to the ground below.

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Shallow Foundation

Foundation that distributes weight close to the surface of the ground.

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Pad Footing

A shallow foundation using a slab under a column.

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Strip Foundation

A shallow foundation supporting load-bearing walls.

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Raft Foundation

A large slab foundation supporting multiple columns or walls.

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Deep Foundation

Foundation that transfers weight to deeper soil layers.

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Pile

Long column driven into the ground to support heavy loads.

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Pile Cap

Concrete slab distributing load from piles to the structure.

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Caissons

Watertight boxes sunk into the ground, often used for bridge piers.

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Ground Conditions

Type and strength of the soil or rock supporting the structure.

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Groundwater Levels

Depth of the water table beneath the structure.

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Structure Type

The classification of the building (residential, commercial, etc.)

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Foundation

The part of a structure that supports the building and transfers its weight to the ground.

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Shallow Foundation

Foundation that distributes weight close to the ground's surface.

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Pad Footing

A shallow foundation using a slab under a column.

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Strip Foundation

A shallow foundation supporting load-bearing walls.

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Raft Foundation

A large slab foundation supporting multiple columns or walls.

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Deep Foundation

Foundation that transfers weight to deeper soil layers.

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Pile

A long column driven into the ground to support heavy loads.

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Pile Cap

Concrete slab distributing load from piles to the structure.

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Caissons

Watertight boxes sunk into the ground, used for bridge piers.

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Ground Conditions

The type and strength of the soil/rock supporting the structure.

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Groundwater Levels

Depth of the water table below the structure.

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Structure Type

Classification of the building (residential, commercial, etc.), influencing foundation design.

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Study Notes

Foundations

  • Definition: A foundation transfers a structure's load to the ground, ensuring stability by evenly distributing weight.
  • Parts of a structure:
    • Superstructure: Above-ground parts (walls, floors, roofs).
    • Substructure: Below-ground parts (foundations, basements).
  • Example: Skyscrapers need deep foundations to support their massive weight.

Foundation Type Selection Factors

  • Ground conditions: Soil type and strength.
  • Groundwater levels: High water tables impact foundation types.
  • Site environment: Existing buildings, space availability influence decisions.
  • Structure type: Heavier structures need stronger foundations.
  • Key goals: Transfer loads, minimize costs, and ensure quick construction.
  • Example: In soft soil, deeper foundations (piles) are used to reach stronger soil layers.

Types of Foundations

  • Shallow Foundations:*

  • Pad footings: Support individual columns with a slab (square or circular), used when soil is strong.

  • Example: Small office buildings or homes.

  • Strip foundations: Support walls with a continuous concrete strip, suitable for buildings with long walls or evenly distributed loads.

  • Example: Supports load-bearing walls in houses.

  • Raft/Mat foundations: A large slab supporting multiple columns/walls, distributing weight for weak soil areas.

  • Example: Factories or high-rise buildings preventing overlapping of individual footings.

  • Deep Foundations:*

  • Piles: Long, slender columns driven into the ground to reach stronger soil or rock.

    • Driven piles: Pre-made and hammered in.
    • Bored piles: Drilled in place, then filled with concrete.
    • Example: Bridges, tall buildings, coastal structures.

  • Pile caps: Thick concrete slabs connecting piles, distributing load evenly.

    • Example: Bridges or offshore platforms.

  • Caissons: Large watertight boxes sunk into the ground and filled with concrete.

    • Example: Used for bridge piers in water.

Soil Properties for Foundations

  • Bearing capacity: The maximum pressure soil can handle without collapsing.
    • Example - Loose sand: (has a low bearing capacity).

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