What is the foundation?

Whenever construction workers start working on a new building, they must first assess where and how to build the foundation. It is a structure, usually made of concrete for homes that transmits the weight of the building on the ground below it. There are different types of foundation designs and each serves a different specific purpose, but in general each of them works on the transmission of weight of the structure to the soil below.

Most small and medium houses are built on a shallow foundation. They usually consist of concrete strips, which are laid about 3.3 feet (1 meter) below the soil, or from one large concrete slab, which is also set about 3.3 feet (1 meter) below the soil. If necessary, it extends under the Frost line. When engineers suggest the foundation of the building, they must keep in mind how much the land will settle under it, as well as how much weight will be to the top. If it is calculated incorrectly, the foundation may fail and place the whole structure in danger.

larger buildings use more deep than a shallow foundation. The deep base uses long pylons of steel or concrete to penetrate on the weaker surface soil into deeper and more stable soils or subsoil under the subsoil. The load from the top walls is transferred deep into the ground, providing support for intensive weight above. Like considerations of a shallow base, engineers must consider weight and settlement and also look for - water eroding soil under the structure.

For structures that are built in colder climate, engineers must also consider Frost Heaves. Mainly frost occurs when the moisture freezes in the soil, thus changing the density of the building's support. Frost warning can cause damage to the foundation, thus threatening the structural integrity of the entire building. Dry, warmer climate is not completely well -being from such worries; Some soils expand and close when moisture is added or removed, and engineers must take into account where and how to lay the foundation.