Foundation

• All engineered structures consist of two parts:

  1. Superstructure - upper part
  2. Foundation - lower part

  • interfacing element between the superstructure and the underlying soil or rock
  • function is to transfer the load of the structure to the soil
• Types of Foundation

  1. Shallow

  • transmit the load to near surface soil

  1. Deep

  • transmit some or all of the loads to deeper soils
  • constructed by driving and drilling into the ground
• Shallow Foundation

  1. Spread Footing - spread the load of the structure over a larger area of soil
  2. Mat Foundation - a reinforced concrete pad large enough to encompass the entire structure
• Deep Foundation

  1. Piles - relatively long, slender members that transmit foundation loads through soil strata of low bearing capacity to deeper soil having high bearing capacity
  2. Piers - foundation for heavy structural load constructed in-situ (in original place) in a deep excavation

  • Construction: 1. Drilling, 2. Placing of Rebar Cage, 3. Pouring of Concrete

  1. Caisson - a watertight retaining structure used, for example, to work on the foundations of a bridge pier, for the construction of a concrete dam, or for the repair of ships