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.
