Ch.

1 INTRODUCTORY CONCEPTS
1.1 Definition
The foundation can be defined as the sub-structure and that adjacent zone of soil and/or rock which
will be affected by both the sub-structure element and its loads. The major purpose of the structural
foundation is the proper transmission of loading to the earth in such a way that the supporting soil is
not overstressed and does not undergo deformations that would cause serious building settlement.

1.2 Foundation Classification

1.2.1 Shallow foundations (D ≤ B)
A- spread footings
i) pad footing ii) wall footing
B- mat (raft) foundation
C- combined footings
i) rectangular ii) trapezoidal iii) strap
1.2.2 Deep foundations (D > 4 to 5B)
A- piles
B- caissons
1.2.3 Retaining Structures

P kN q kN/m

P2

P2
P1
Pad Wall

P1

Rectangular Trapezoidal
 Wall Column Column Column Wall
loading loading loading loading loading

Mat

Piles

water

earth

Caissons

Fig. 1.1 General Types of Foundations

1.3 General Requirements of Foundations
1.3.1 Depth must be adequate to avoid lateral expulsion of material from beneath
the foundation.
1.3.2 Depth must be below the zone of seasonal volume changes caused by freezing,
thawing and plant growth.
1.3.3 System must be safe against overturning, rotation, sliding, or soil rupture (shear
failure).
1.3.4 System must be safe against corrosion or deterioration due to harmful materials
present in the soil.
1.3.5 System should be adequate to sustain some changes in later site or construction
geometry, and be easily modified should later changes be major in scope.
1.3.6 The foundation should be economical in terms of the method of installation.
1.3.7 Total earth movements (settlements) and differential movements should be
tolerable for both the foundation and superstructure elements.
1.3.8 The foundation and its construction, must meet environmental protection
standards.

1.3 Foundation Selection

See table (1-1).