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Foundation Design
Structures (bridges, culverts, buildings, tanks, etc.) are designed to carry their loading and applied forces into the ground using foundation elements. Often, the load can be distributed over a large area using shallow spread footings or mat foundations if the soil or bedrock conditions are favorable. The bearing resistance and settlement of the underlying materials are evaluated to determine the depth and size of the shallow foundations. If the near-surface materials are not suitable, either ground improvement techniques are applied to improve the density and load-carrying capacity of the subsurface materials or deep foundation elements are designed. Deep foundation elements, such as piles, drilled shafts, and micropiles, are designed to carry axial loading through the structural element into a competent bearing stratum which may consist of dense soil or bedrock. The lateral capacity of the deep foundations is evaluated as a function of the foundation and stiffness of the surrounding subsurface materials. Load and integrity testing is often recommended for deep foundations to ensure the design loading can be properly transferred to the bearing materials.
The rehabilitation of structures requires the evaluation of their condition, which includes the substructures and foundations. Review of original construction drawings and as-built plans provides an important set of data in determining if the foundations can continue to function as designed, and if there is additional capacity to improve the structure. If the foundations must be strengthened, the footings may be enlarged, deep foundations may be installed, or the underlying subsurface materials may be strengthened using ground improvement. These retrofits consider constructability while also meeting the specified project design life.
The rehabilitation of structures requires the evaluation of their condition, which includes the substructures and foundations. Review of original construction drawings and as-built plans provides an important set of data in determining if the foundations can continue to function as designed, and if there is additional capacity to improve the structure. If the foundations must be strengthened, the footings may be enlarged, deep foundations may be installed, or the underlying subsurface materials may be strengthened using ground improvement. These retrofits consider constructability while also meeting the specified project design life.