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Ground Stability and Foundations: Chapter 3 AT A GLANCE

What?

All buildings and associated structures must bear onto stable ground. The foundation of a building is that part of walls, piers and columns in direct contact with, and transmitting loads to, the ground. The foundation forms the interface between the ground and the loadbearing structure. There are four main types of foundations: strip, pad, raft and pile. Their selection is dependent on ground conditions and the design of the building. The main material used to construct foundations is reinforced concrete, which is usually cast in situ but may also be supplied as prefabricated units.

Why?

Failure to design and construct a suitable foundation on stable ground will result in damage to the building, either through subsidence or ground heave. All new developments bear on foundations that are designed to comply with current regulations and codes. Some existing buildings have less robust foundations, and these may need to be strengthened to accommodate a change of use and the increase in loading brought about by a change of use.

When?

Investigation of the ground is necessary to establish the ground conditions and the bearing capacity of the soils and/or rock. This will inform foundation design and construction. This applies equally to new buildings and to existing buildings that are being altered or extended. Foundations are constructed after the ground has been prepared for construction. Alongside ground works and site drainage, the construction of the foundations is one of the first tasks to be completed on the construction site.

How?

Each of the four main foundation types are suited to different types of building and ground conditions. Foundations are usually constructed within excavated trenches (strip and pad foundations), on prepared ground (raft foundations) or driven into the ground (piled foundations). Ground levelling and excavation for foundation trenches is usually done by machine, or by hand in difficult‐to‐access areas and on very small developments. The foundations may be constructed onsite or delivered to site as prefabricated units to suit ground conditions and the construction schedule.

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Table of Contents for Chapter 3 AT A GLANCE

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Table of Contents for
Chapter 3 AT A GLANCE