What is Foundation in Construction

What is the foundation in construction? As engineers, everyone should be aware of the types of foundations used in construction.

There are many types of foundations in construction that are built to super the superstructure. The type and nature of the foundation are based on the arrangement of the superstructure and the applied loads.

What is the foundation in construction?

Foundation is the structural element that is built to support the superstructure. Further, the foundation is the most important element of a structure as the stability of the whole structure depends on the foundation.

If the foundation fails or settles it severely affects the whole structure. The following articles discuss the foundation failures and settlement.

Why do we need a good Foundation

  • Foundation is the main element that supports the structure, it should be good enough to bear the applied loads
  • It should be able the transfer the superstructure loads safely to the ground
  • It should be able to control the settlement.
  • In the case of shallow foundations, there should not be a different settlement in the foundation. If there are different settlements, it will severely affect the structural stability.
  • In addition, the foundation shall be able to bear the expected loads such as earthquake loads.
  • Abnormal behavior of the soil leads to excessive stress in the foundation. Expansive soils cause an upward force on the foundation leading to the upward movement of the foundations.

Purpose of Foundation in Construction

  • Provide vertical stability of the structure
  • Provide lateral stability of the structure where there are lateral loads applied on the foundation and the structure.
  • Bear the chemical attacks. We will not get favorable conditions for foundations always. There are issues with the foundation in construction.
  • Chemicals such as chlorides and sulfate are affecting the foundation. Foundation shall be able to bear such impacts.
  • Foundation in construction shall be above to bear the varying loads.
  • Foundation shall be able to bear the extreme loads caused by accidental events.

There are some more related articles that need to be studied in relation to the foundation in construction.

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