FUNCTION OF A PILE FOUNDATION The primary function of a pile foundation is to transfer load to a deeper soil or rock strata. There can be various reason that can force designers to transfer loads to deeper soil or rock strata. For example The soil at shallow depth is weak, i.e., not able to withstand … Read more
What Is The Effect of Tree Roots on Building? Fast growing trees close to buildings can cause unequal settlement when active tree roots dry out the soil causing differential soil shrinkage. Shrinking clays affect the bearing capacity and lead to movement in the building, especially in shallow foundations. Tree roots can extend over a considerable … Read more
WEATHERING OF ROCK MASS ‘Weathering is the process of alteration and breakdown of rock and soil materials at and near the Earth’s surface by chemical decomposition and physical disintegration’ (Geological Society Engineering Group Working Party Report, 1995). Of particular note in this definition is that weathering is described as a process. It is not a … Read more
Design Procedures for a Building Foundation (Step by Step) Good design must not only be safe but must aim to save construction costs, time and materials. The following procedures should help to achieve this and an ‘educated’ client will recognize the importance of funding this work with a realistic fee. 1. Decide the Location of … Read more
PRACTICAL PROBLEMS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE FOUNDATION DESIGN There are, in foundation design, a number of practical construction problems and costs to be considered. The chief ones are: The foundations should be kept as shallow as possible, commensurate with climatic effects on, and strength of, the surface soil; particularly in waterlogged ground. Excavation in … Read more
Earth Excavation Checklist The following checklist should be used as a guide for better quality control over earth excavation. (1) Prior to the start of excavation operations, take photographs of the construction area, make sure that sufficient cross—sections are taken, and continue to take progress photographs during construction. (2) Review the log of borings to … Read more
Durability of Concrete Piles Properly mixed concrete compacted to a dense impermeable mass is one of the most permanent of all constructional material and give little cause of concern about its long-term durability in a non aggressive environment. However, concrete can be attacked by sulphate and sulfuric acid occurring naturally in soils, by corrosive chemicals … Read more
How to Select Proper Pile Type? The purpose of a pile foundation is to transfer and distribute load through a material or stratum with inadequate bearing, sliding or uplift capacity to a firmer stratum that is capable of supporting the load without detrimental displacement. A wide range of pile types is available for applications with … Read more
Type of Pier Pier is usually used as a general term for any type of substructure located between horizontal spans and foundations. However, from time to time, it is also used particularly for a solid wall in order to distinguish it from columns or bents. From a structural point of view, a column is a … Read more
Well Foundation Well foundations have their origin in India & have been used for hundreds of years for providing deep foundation to important buildings and bridges. Well foundations were freely used during the Moghal Period for bridges across the major rivers. Moghal monuments including Taj Mahal are built on well foundations. Well foundations provide a … Read more