Introduction to Foundation Engineering

foundation engineer An engineer who by reason of training and experience is sufficiently versed in scientific principles and engineering judgment to design a foundation. Scientific principles are acquired through formal educational courses in: - Geotechnical (soil mechanics, geology, foundation engineering) - Structural engineering (analysis, design in reinforced concrete and steel, etc.) AND continued self-study via short courses, professional conferences, journal reading, and the like.

 Foundation

is the part of an engineered system that transmits to, and into, the underlying soil or rock the loads supported by the foundation and its self-weight. The resulting soil stressesexcept at the ground surfaceare in addition to those presently existing in the earth mass from its self-weight and geological history.

 Superstructure

(buildings and bridges): The engineered part of the structural system bringing load to the foundation (substructure).

Foundations may be classified based on where the load is carried by the ground, producing: Shallow foundations: such as spread footings, strip footings, or mats. The depth is approximately D/B < 1 Deep foundations: such as piles, drilled piers, or drilled caissons. The depth is such that Lp/B > 4+

Question: Why is the plan area of the footing (B) much larger than the cross-sectional area of the column delivering the load? Answer: Because the strength of the column material (steel or concrete) is generally higher than the bearing capacity of the soil. Therefore, load (P) must be spread over larger area at the interface with the soil.

Foundation type

Use

Applicable soil conditions

Spread footings, wall footings

Individual columns, walls

Any conditions where bearing capacity is adequate for applied load. May be use on a single stratum; firm layer over soft layer or soft layer over firm layer.

Combined footings

Two to four columns on footing because space is Limited

Similar conditions as spread footing

Foundation Type

Use

Applicable Soil Conditions

Mat foundation

Several rows of parallel columns; heavy column loads; use to reduce differ-ential settlements

Soil bearing capacity is generally less than for spread footings, AND/OR over half the plan area would be covered by spread footings.

Foundation type

Use

Applicable soil conditions

Floating pile

In groups of 2+ supporting a cap that interfaces with column(s)

Surface and near-surface soils have low bearing capacity and competent soil is at great depth. Sufficient skin resistance can be developed by soilto-pile perimeter to carry anticipated loads.
Surface and near-surface soils not relied on for skin resistance; competent soil for point load is at a practical depth (8 to 20 m)

Bearing pile

Same as for floating pile

Foundation Type

Use

Applicable Soil Conditions Ay type of soil but a specified zone in backfill is usually of controlled fill. Retain any soil or water. Backfill for waterfront and cofferdam systems is usually granular for greater draingage.

Retaining walls, bridge Permanent material abutments retention

Sheeting structures (sheet pile, wood, wood sheeting, etc.)

Temporary or permanent for excavations, marine cofferdams for river work

International

System of Units

(SI)
Meter, kilogram, second = mks;

U.

S. Customary System of Units (aka English System

Foot, pound, second = Fps

 In

general

The mass of 1 of sand is 100 Ibs. If the mass is suspened by a spring, what is the force in the spring in SI and U.S. systems of units