Download Different types of foundations used in construction projects and more Schemes and Mind Maps Construction in PDF only on Docsity! Different types of foundations used in construction projects Functions of a foundation: • It carries the weight of the building, transferring the loads safely to the ground. • It spreads the weight of the building, to an acceptable level of force exerted on the ground. • It provides a flat level surface in which to build on. The safe loading of a building is worked out by calculating the capability of the soil to carry the load of a building + a factor of safety. There are four different types of foundation: • A strip • A deep strip foundation / trench foundation • A raft foundation • A short bored pile foundation The selection of a foundation for a particular project depends upon a number of key factors: • The type of building structure • Soil conditions • Site constraints – e.g. the size and shape of the site layout • The types of foundations available In the construction of houses or house extensions, where the soil is good, a strip foundation is generally used. In the construction of large buildings that offer heavy loads a raft foundation is used. When soil is weak and poor quality, a pile foundation is used. Questions 1 Name three functions of a foundation. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 2. Name four different types of foundation. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 3. Name two keys factors that are considered when choosing which type of foundation to use for a construction project ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 4. Which type of foundation is generally used in the construction of houses or house extensions? ________________________________________________________________________ 5. Which type of foundation is generally when constructing large buildings that offer heavy loads? ________________________________________________________________________ 6. Which type of foundation is generally used when soil is weak and of poor quality? ________________________________________________________________________
