RICS - construction technology

The purpose of foundation

to ensure that the structural loads are transmitted to the subsoil(s) safely, economically and without any unacceptable movement during the construction period and throughout the anticipated life of the building or structure.

Important considerations during foundation design

the nature of the load requiring support, ground conditions, the presence of water, space availability, accessibility and sensitivity to noise and vibration.

Shallow foundation

Shallow foundations are used when the loads of the structure are low for the bearing capacity of the surface soils. Examples. Traditional strip foundations, pad foundations, raft foundations.

Deep foundation

Used where the bearing capacity of the surface soils is insufficient to sustain the loads imposed by a structure. Deep strip bespoke system foundations, piled foundations.

Raft foundations

The ground has poor bearing capcity it may be necessary to specify a raft foundation. The surface area of the raft will effectively spread the load of the building evenly over the whole area of the building rather than the point loads of the strip f

What is important for foundations

The site investigation is the key information required for the foundation design, particulary borehole investigations in high rise developments or brownfield sites.