foundation systems. standard act-addi-6 students will prepare foundation plans. ◦ explain the...

Foundation SystemsFoundation Systems

StandardStandardACT-ADDI-6 Students will prepare

foundation plans.◦Explain the purpose of foundation

plans.◦Identify different foundation systems

and terminology.◦Draw and dimension foundation

plans.

PurposePurposeTo provide a base to distribute the

weight of the structure onto the soilIt must be evenly distributed over a

large enough area to prevent compression of the soil

Must resist floods, winds, and earthquakes◦Floods can wash away supporting soil◦Wind pushes against houses, pushing them

up◦Must move with the ground in an earthquake

Soil ConsiderationsSoil ConsiderationsBearing capacity of soil must be

known before foundation can be designed◦Bearing capacity: amount of weight a

square foot of soil can supportFreezing – foundation should be built

below freezing level◦In Georgia – under 10”◦In Minnesota – up to 100”!

Water content – soil will expand and contract with water

Types of FoundationsTypes of FoundationsPilingsContinuous (Spread) FoundationsGrade Beam

Piling Foundation SystemPiling Foundation SystemUses beams placed between

vertical supports (piling) to support structural loads◦When structural load exceeds

bearing capacity of soil◦Used on steep hillsides◦Site subject to flooding

Continuous FoundationContinuous FoundationMost common in residential constructionConsists of a footing and wall

◦Footing: base of the foundation system; made of poured concrete◦Footing can be bonded to the foundation wall with a key or with steel

Grade Beam FoundationGrade Beam FoundationProvides added support

◦Grade beam is placed under the soil below the stem wall and spans between stable supports

Fireplace FootingFireplace FootingMasonry fireplace will need to be supported by a

footing12” deep footing that extends 6” past the fireplace on

each side

Veneer FootingsVeneer FootingsAn extension of the footing and must be

wide enough to provide support for the veneer

Foundation WallFoundation WallVertical wall that extends from

the footing to the first floorCentered on the footing to help

evenly spread the loadHeight of the wall must extend 6”

above the ground

Retaining/Basement WallRetaining/Basement WallWalls that extend full height

between the basement floor and main floor level

Basement walls made of poured concrete or concrete blocks (or wood, depending on the building trends of your area)

Used on sloped lots

Interior SupportsInterior SupportsSpot footings – also known as piers –

match the depth of footings

PedestalsPedestalsA column built on top of a footingUsed when upper soils are unstable

Metal ConnectorsMetal ConnectorsUsed to anchor the house to the

foundation

On Grade FoundationsOn Grade FoundationsSlab