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Foundation (engineering)

In engineering, a foundation is the element of a structure which connects it to the ground or more rarely, water (as with floating structures), transferring loads from the structure to the ground. Foundations are generally considered either shallow or deep.[1] Foundation engineering is the application of soil mechanics and rock mechanics (geotechnical engineering) in the design of foundation elements of structures.

For other uses, see Foundation (disambiguation).

To distribute the weight of the structure over a large area in order to avoid overloading the underlying soil (possibly causing unequal settlement).

To anchor the structure against natural forces including earthquakes, floods, droughts, frost heaves, tornadoes and wind.

To provide a level surface for construction.

To anchor the structure deeply into the ground, increasing its stability and preventing overloading.

To prevent lateral movements of the supported structure (in some cases).

The design and the construction of the foundation is done such that it can sustain as well as transmit the dead and the imposed loads to the soil. This transfer has to be carried out without resulting in any form of settlement that can cause stability issues for the structure.

Differential settlements can be avoided by having a rigid base for the foundation. These issues are more pronounced in areas where the superimposed loads are not uniform in nature.

Based on the soil and area it is recommended to have a deeper foundation so that it can guard any form of damage or distress. These are mainly caused due to the problem of shrinkage and swelling because of temperature changes.

The location of the foundation chosen must be an area that is not affected or influenced by future works or factors.

The design and the construction of a well-performing foundation must possess some basic requirements:[2]

Drawing of Poteaux-en-Terre post in ground type of wall construction (this example technically called pallisade construction) in the Beauvais House in Ste Genevieve, Missouri

Drawing of Poteaux-en-Terre post in ground type of wall construction (this example technically called pallisade construction) in the Beauvais House in Ste Genevieve, Missouri

PSM V24 D321 A primitive stilt house in Switzerland on wood pilings.

PSM V24 D321 A primitive stilt house in Switzerland on wood pilings.

A granary on staddle stones, a type of padstone

A granary on staddle stones, a type of padstone

Black Eagle Dam – cross-section of construction plans for 1892 structure

Black Eagle Dam – cross-section of construction plans for 1892 structure

Davis House dry-laid stone foundation ruin, Gardiner, NY

Davis House dry-laid stone foundation ruin, Gardiner, NY

A basic type of rubble trench foundation

A basic type of rubble trench foundation

Typical residential poured concrete foundation, except for the lack of anchor bolts. The concrete walls are supported on continuous footings. There is also a concrete slab floor. Note the standing water in the perimeter French drain trenches.

Typical residential poured concrete foundation, except for the lack of anchor bolts. The concrete walls are supported on continuous footings. There is also a concrete slab floor. Note the standing water in the perimeter French drain trenches.