The following sections discuss the practical construction issues and cost considerations for designing economical foundations that prevent problems in the future.
When it comes to the construction of foundations, there are various factors that need to be taken into account to ensure practicality and durability. These factors include the type of soil, the load-bearing capacity required, and the design of the foundation itself. Additionally, construction issues such as accessibility and safety must also be considered during the construction process.
In terms of cost considerations, it is important to ensure that the foundation is economical to construct without compromising its durability and safety. This may involve the use of cost-effective materials and techniques, such as precast concrete or helical piles, which can reduce the overall cost of the foundation without compromising its integrity.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the long-term maintenance and repair costs of the foundation when designing and constructing it. Proper maintenance and repair can help prevent costly and time-consuming repairs in the future. Therefore, it is essential to choose materials and construction techniques that are durable and require minimal maintenance over time.
In conclusion, designing and constructing economical foundations require careful consideration of various practical construction issues and cost considerations. Proper planning and implementation can help ensure that the foundation is built safely, efficiently, and economically, while also preventing future problems and minimizing maintenance costs.
How to Design Economical Foundations and Prevent Construction Issues at Site?
Constructing a foundation for a building involves various practical problems and costs that need to be considered. One approach to reducing these costs is to opt for a shallow foundation, which requires less excavation and materials. However, this decision should be made in consultation with the structural designer, who can advise on the suitability of a shallow foundation based on factors such as soil conditions and building load.
Another way to reduce costs is to avoid the use of expensive and complex formwork, which can add significantly to the construction budget. It is also important to ensure that the site investigation is reliable, as this can affect the foundation’s stability and durability over time. Factors such as the speed of construction also need to be taken into account, as a fast foundation construction may be more expensive initially but could save costs in the long run.
When constructing a foundation, it is essential to be aware of the potential impact on the ground and structures in the vicinity of the foundation. Any variations in the foundation geometry may require different joints to be used, which can also affect costs. It is important to consider the impact of undesired factors, such as soil settlement and moisture, on the constructed foundation and take appropriate measures to mitigate any potential damage or issues.
Make the Foundation Shallow for Economy
According to best practices in construction, it is advised to keep the foundation as shallow as possible while still providing enough support for the structure and withstanding environmental factors. It is important to optimize the size of the foundation in order to meet these requirements. Additionally, excessive depth and width should be avoided in order to prevent unnecessary use of resources and potential complications during the construction process. By following these guidelines, builders can ensure that the foundation is strong and stable while minimizing costs and environmental impact.
Fig.1: Shallow Foundation
Constructing a foundation in fully saturated soil can present significant challenges due to the presence of water. These challenges can exacerbate simple issues and increase costs, sometimes even doubling the expenses compared to building a foundation in dry soil conditions. As a result, the importance of taking appropriate measures in such situations becomes paramount. The saturated soil conditions can significantly impact the stability and durability of the foundation, making it crucial to implement measures that address the unique challenges posed by water presence in the soil. Without proper measures, the foundation may be at risk of settling, heaving, or even collapsing, leading to structural damage and costly repairs. Therefore, when dealing with fully saturated soil conditions, it is vital to carefully plan and implement appropriate measures to ensure the stability and longevity of the foundation, as the costs and risks associated with construction in saturated soil can be considerably higher compared to dry soil conditions.
Fig.2: Foundation Construction in Saturated Soil
Reduce Cost of Foundation Construction
To ensure that construction projects are optimized for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and comply with the latest regulations and guidelines, it is essential to continuously review and update construction techniques, costs, and standards. This is particularly important when dealing with varying economies of design and outdated regulations, which can significantly impact the construction process.
By regularly revising construction techniques and costs, builders and contractors can identify opportunities to enhance the construction process’s efficiency and reduce costs. This can involve exploring alternative materials or methods, streamlining workflows, or adopting new technologies. These initiatives can help ensure that construction projects remain competitive, efficient, and maintain high safety and quality standards.
Updating applicable standards is also crucial to ensure that the construction process remains compliant with the latest regulations and guidelines. Outdated standards can result in non-compliance and lead to potential safety hazards or legal issues. Therefore, staying current with applicable standards and regulations is essential to ensure that the construction process is safe, efficient, and sustainable.
In summary, a continuous review of construction techniques, costs, and standards is necessary to optimize construction projects’ efficiency and cost-effectiveness and ensure compliance with the latest regulations and guidelines. This is particularly important when dealing with varying economies of design and outdated standards that can significantly impact the construction process.
Awareness of Structural Designer
Designers need to be mindful of important factors when it comes to foundation design and construction. These factors include assumptions made during the design process, the variability of ground conditions, and the practicality of construction. It is essential for designers to have the ability to comprehend these critical aspects in order to produce an economical design and ensure satisfactory construction. In doing so, designers can prevent undesirable events from occurring during both the construction phase and in the future.
Assumptions play a significant role in the foundation design process. These assumptions can be related to various factors such as soil properties, loadings, and design codes. It is crucial for designers to be aware of the assumptions made during the design phase and ensure that they are reasonable and conservative. This is because any inaccuracies in the assumptions can have serious consequences on the performance and safety of the foundation.
Another important factor that designers must consider is the variability of ground conditions. The ground conditions can vary significantly over a short distance, which can result in non-uniform foundation behavior. It is essential for designers to carry out adequate site investigations to obtain a clear understanding of the ground conditions and design foundations accordingly. By doing so, designers can ensure that the foundations are stable and perform as expected.
In addition to the above factors, designers must also consider the practicality of construction. This involves taking into account factors such as access, logistics, and construction methods. A design that is not practical to construct can result in delays, additional costs, and compromises in the quality of the final product. By designing foundations that are practical to construct, designers can ensure that the construction is executed smoothly and efficiently, while maintaining the desired level of quality.
In conclusion, designers must have a comprehensive understanding of the crucial aspects of foundation design and construction. By being aware of assumptions made during the design phase, the variability of ground conditions, and the practicality of construction, designers can produce an economical design and ensure satisfactory construction. This approach can prevent undesirable events during construction and in the future, while ensuring the desired level of quality and safety.
Prevent the Use of Expensive and Complex Formworks
Designers are often advised to ensure that their designs can be implemented without the need for complex and costly formworks for foundation structures. It is important to prioritize the constructability of the foundation, paying close attention to the ease and efficiency of the construction process. This can help to avoid unnecessary delays and expenses during the implementation phase.
In some cases, site engineers may need to inspect excavations that are as deep as 2 meters from the ground surface in order to determine the best approach for constructing the foundation base. However, this process can be time-consuming and costly. To streamline the process, designers are encouraged to incorporate trial pits into their plans, allowing engineers to conduct inspections at shallower depths and make more efficient decisions about the foundation construction. By prioritizing constructability and minimizing the need for deep excavations, designers can help to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of the construction process.
Fig.3: Formwork for Foundation
Reliability of Site Investigation
Soil investigation plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability of a construction project’s foundation. However, an issue that may arise is the reliability of the soil investigation report. If the investigation is not conducted properly, it can lead to future problems with the foundation. Sometimes, issues may even arise during the construction process.
Incompetent soil investigation can lead to increased construction costs, as cases have shown. Therefore, it is essential that soil exploration is finalized correctly to guarantee that the construction progresses as planned. If not, the stability of the foundation may be compromised, and the construction project may encounter setbacks.
Fig.4: Site Investigation for Foundation Construction
The Decision to Consider Fast or Slow Foundation Construction
The speed of foundation construction can impact its cost. While slow construction may seem like a budget-friendly option, it may not always be the case. The decision to opt for fast or slow construction depends on the site conditions of the project. In some cases, fast construction can be more economical, especially in saturated soil conditions. Prolonged dewatering may be expensive, and the dewatering system may also encounter problems, leading to increased underground water and further construction costs. In such cases, fast construction is the best solution. The argument that fast construction is costly may be valid, but it can be compensated by reduced future maintenance and repair costs that may arise from using slow construction.
Fig.5: Foundation Construction
Effect of Foundation Construction on Ground and Structures at Vicinity of Foundation
The impact of machines and excavation on nearby structures is a crucial consideration for designers. This is because various foundation construction activities, such as soil compaction using compaction plant, excavation in aggressive environments leading to soil deterioration, seasonal fluctuations in the water table, and piling vibrations, can all potentially result in damage to structures and utilities in proximity to the project.
Therefore, designers must possess a thorough understanding of the potential effects of these construction activities on nearby structures. Failure to account for these impacts can lead to significant damage, delays, and safety hazards. As such, it is imperative that designers carefully evaluate the potential risks associated with foundation construction and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.
Fig.6: Differential Settlement due to Pile Driving
Variations in Foundation Geometry and Necessity of Different Joints
When designing a foundation, it is crucial for the designer to consider the impact of alterations in the foundation’s length, shape, and rigidity. These factors can significantly affect the overall stability and safety of the structure being built. Therefore, it is important to carefully analyze the characteristics of the site and the intended use of the building before making design decisions.
In addition to the above factors, the designer must also take into account the necessary joints that will allow the foundation to accommodate settlement and movement. This is particularly important in areas with unstable soil conditions or frequent seismic activity. By incorporating joints into the foundation design, the structure can move and settle without causing damage to the building or compromising its structural integrity.
Overall, the foundation is a critical element in any building’s construction, and its design must be carefully planned and executed. The designer must have a deep understanding of the factors that can impact the foundation’s performance and take appropriate measures to ensure its stability and longevity. By considering the foundation’s length, shape, rigidity, and joints, the designer can create a solid foundation that will support the building for many years to come.
Impact of Undesired Factors on Constructed Foundation
Foundations are crucial elements of any building or structure. However, even after their construction, there are several factors that could lead to their deterioration and damage. These factors need to be taken into account during the design stage to ensure the longevity and stability of the foundation.
One of the factors that could cause foundation damage is ground movement. This can occur due to shrinkage of clay and frost heave, which can cause the ground to expand and contract. If the foundation is not designed to accommodate such movements, it can lead to cracking and other forms of damage.
The influence of trees is another factor that can impact the foundation of a building. Trees can cause the soil to shrink or swell, which can result in foundation movement. Therefore, it is important to consider the location and proximity of trees when designing the foundation.
Sulfate attack on concrete is another factor that could lead to foundation deterioration. This occurs when sulfate ions in the soil react with the concrete, causing it to deteriorate over time. To prevent this, appropriate measures must be taken during the design stage, such as using sulfate-resistant concrete.
Construction of new structures close to a building can also impact the foundation. The weight of the new structure can cause the ground to settle, which can result in foundation movement. As a result, it is important to consider any nearby construction when designing the foundation.
Finally, the placement of new equipment in a neighboring factory that generates vibrations can also impact the foundation. The vibrations can cause the soil to settle, which can result in foundation movement. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential impact of nearby industrial activity when designing the foundation.