Chapter 3 - Foundations Flashcards
What is a foundation?
the lowest division of a building
What is a substructure?
constructed partly or wholly below the surface of the ground
What is settlement?
the gradual subsiding of a structure as the soil beneath its foundation consolidates under loading
What is differential settlement
the relative movement of different parts of a structure caused by uneven consolidation of the foundation soil
What are basements?
wholly or partly below grade require a continuous foundation wall to hold back the surrounding earth and support the exterior walls and columns of the superstructure above
What are crawl spaces?
enclosed by foundation walls, that provides access to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
What are the two types of foundation systems?
shallow and deep
What is a shallow foundation?
employed when stable soil of adequate bearing capacity occurs relatively near to the ground surface
What are deep foundations?
employed when the soil underlying a foundation is unstable or inadequate bearing capacity
What are the factors to consider in selecting and designing the type of foundation system for a building?
pattern and magnitude of building loads, subsurface and groundwater conditions, topography of the site, impact on adjacent properties, building code requirements, and construction method and risk
What is underpinning?
the process of rebuilding or strengthening the foundation of an existing building, or extending it when a new excavation in adjoining property is deeper than the existing foundation
What is a slurrywall?
a concrete wall cast in a trench to serve as sheeting and often as a permanent foundation wall
What is dewatering?
the process of lowering a water table or preventing an excavation from filling with groundwater
What are spread footings?
the lowest part of a shallow foundation
What are the most common forms of spread footing?
strip and isolated footings
