Q.
a) Explain how the following factors influence the choice of building foundation.
i) The total loads of the building.
ii) The nature and bearing capacity of the subsoil. (10 marks)
b) Using sketches, describe three (3) types of shallow foundations suitable for domestic buildings and state the reasons. (15 marks)
(25 marks, 2013 Q1)
A.
a)
i) The load of the building would influence the choice of foundation as the heavier the loads, the stronger the foundation would need to support this load.
ii) The nature and bearing capacity of the subsoil would influence the choice of foundation as the weaker the subsoil, the deeper the foundation would need to reach to support the same load.
Earlier posts on this topic are referred.
b) 3 types of shallow foundations:
Earlier post on Past year 2012 Q1b shallow foundation (with pictures) is referred.
- Pad Foundation
- Strip Foundation
- Raft Foundation
Ref:
Earlier posts.