Foundations

Question:

For the foundations presentation, what exactly are you looking for? 

I [thought] that the geotechnical systems of the soils would play a major role in the foundations but it really doesn't so I would really like your input. 

Response:

The foundation system is a combination of the soils on which the building rests and the below-grade structure that transfers the building loads into the soils.  Typically one needs to address a number of questions, giving and labeling assumptions if necessary:

• What is the soil profile, down to the bedrock if it's anywhere near the surface?
• What are the bearing capacities of those soils?
• What members of the above-grade structure carry loads into the soils?
• Typically these are either columns or bearing walls
• What are the magnitudes of loads being transferred through those above-grade structures?
• What are the below-grade structures that transfer the loads to the soils?
• What are the sizes and stresses in those below-grade structures?
• Why was that system below-grade system chosen over other possible systems?
• Here's a search link that illustrates many types of such below-grade foundation systems.