What is a Foundation in Construction?
A foundation in construction is one of the key elements of building a structure. It is fundamental because, without it, it wouldn’t be able to strive on its own.
Without a foundation, a structure will be unstable and eventually, collapse. When a large structure, or tall building, such as a skyscraper, is constructed on either unbalanced soil or rough terrain, it requires a very deep foundation. If the building is built to extend vertically, it must have a deep foundation.
To construct a foundation, deep trenches must be dug deep into the soil, for a hard stratum to be reached. For a stronger base, concrete is poured into the trench. The trench is usually built with a reinforcement cage, to increase the overall strength and reliability of the foundation, which will provide support to the structure that’s being built on top of it.
How is a foundation connected to a substructure?
Every foundation requires steel rods that are projected outwards and connects to the substructure above it. When the foundation is completed, only then can the construction of a building commence.
The building’s foundation, depending on the size and type, will either be built with steel, concrete, stones, bricks, or any other adequate material type.
Once the type of foundation and materials are selected, which also depends on the type of soil it’s being built on, the construction of the project can start.
The foundation of a structure must be designed according to the following:
- The soil underneath the foundation, to ensure the structure is built properly and won’t fail during the building process, or thereafter.
- The bearing pressure, which is the amount of pressure the soil will be able to withstand, without failing.
- The settlement, which must be within the limit of the first service load.
What are the functions of a proper foundation?
A proper foundation in construction must be able to provide lateral stability for the entire structure. It must also manage an even load distribution, a load intensity that must be reduced within a safe bearing capacity and in conjunction with the soil. A proper foundation must also be able to provide a surface level for the construction of its substructure.
