90 hr: Foundations - Site Analysis

Question 1

4 parts of a structure

Answer 1

Foundation
Vertical Walls
Horizontal Floors
Roof

Question 2

3 degrees of a defect

Answer 2

1. Is it a structural problem
2. A problem that is in the process of failure
3. Component has failed

Question 3

Perhaps most importantly, the structure should safely support:

Answer 3

Live loads imposed on it

Question 4

Out simply, the function of a structure is to:

Answer 4

Do nothing

Question 5

What is a dead load?

Answer 5

The weight of the building materials and the soil surrounding the foundations

Question 6

What are live loads?

Answer 6

People, furniture, snow, rain, wind

Question 7

3 common configurations for foundations:

Answer 7

1. Basements
2. Crawlspaces
3. Slab-on-grade

Question 8

4 types of floor slabs:

Answer 8

1. Floating
2. Supported
3. Monolithic
4. Structural

Question 9

Definition of floating floor:

Answer 9

Supported by the ground and independent of perimeter foundations

Question 10

Definition of supported floor:

Answer 10

The floor slab may be integrated into the foundation system of the building (resting on the foundation)

Question 11

Definition of a monolithic floor:

Answer 11

The floor slab may be an integral part of the footing

Question 12

Definition of a structural floor:

Answer 12

Self-supporting or free spanning concrete slabs, either pre cast or cast in place

Question 13

Definition of post-tensioned concrete slab:

Answer 13

One end of the cable is pulled tight after the concrete is poured

Question 14

Definition of prestressed concrete slab:

Answer 14

Cables are pulled tight prior to pouring the concrete and are let go as the concrete cures

Question 15

Definition of Spread Footings:

Answer 15

(Strip footings) Wide pads that are continuous around the perimeter of the house

Question 16

Definition of a pilaster:

Answer 16

Thickening of a foundation wall

Question 17

Definition of Pad Footing:

Answer 17

Usually under a single pier or column

Question 18

Definition of End Bearing Piles:

Answer 18

Piles that are driven down to a point they meet bedrock or other sound substrate.

Question 19

Definition of Friction Piles:

Answer 19

Piles that are driven down into soil far enough that the friction of the soil against the sides of the pile is enough to resist any downward movement.

Question 20

Definition of grade beams:

Answer 20

Concrete beams that are supported on footings, piles, or piers and located at grade

Question 21

Definition of Caissons:

Answer 21

Foundation systems created by drilling holes and filling them with concrete

Question 22

3 factors that impact structural failures:

Answer 22

1. Size of the load
2. Direction of the load
3. Time imposed

Question 23

This is the most common problem found on all foundations:

Answer 23

Cracking

Question 24

4 types of cracks:

Answer 24

1. Shrinkage cracks
2. Settlement cracks
3. Heaving cracks
4. Horizontal force cracks

Question 25

What causes shrinkage cracks?

Answer 25

The natural curing of concrete

Question 26

Shrinkage cracks usually show up when?

Answer 26

Within the 1st year

Question 27

The most common foundation wall shrinkage cracks are:

Answer 27

Vertical or Diagonal

Question 28

Foundation cracks most often radiate down from:

Answer 28

The corners of basement windows

Question 29

Shrinkage cracks are relatively small, usually:

Answer 29

Less than 1/8 inch wide

Question 30

Definition of Differential Settlement Cracks:

Answer 30

When one part of the house settles and the res does not, or 2 parts settle at different rates.

Question 31

Definition of Uniform Settlement:

Answer 31

The structure settles slightly as a whole

Question 32

Definition of Severe Uniform Settlement:

Answer 32

Uniform settlement that is so dramatic that gas, water, and electrical lines are strained and exterior sidings could come into contact with the soil

Question 33

Definition of Tipping:

Answer 33

Leaning Tower of Pisa. When a building tips, one part of the building settles more than the other; however the building holds together and no cracks develop

Question 34

Coarse soils that are wet have:

Answer 34

Little load bearing capacity change - Little foundation movement and moisture intrusion.

Question 35

Fine soils that are wet have:

Answer 35

Large bearing capacity change - A larger risk of substantial foundation movement and moisture intrusion

Question 36

Definition of Cut-and-Fill lots:

Answer 36

Creating a flat building pad by cutting back into the hill to form the pad on the uphill half of a house

Question 37

What is the usual direction of cracks due to differential settlement?

Answer 37

Vertical or diagonal

Question 38

What is usually an indicator of heaving rather than of shrinkage or rotation?

Answer 38

Crushing of material

Question 39

Definition of Heaving:

Answer 39

Upward movement of a building