Foundations and Concrete

Question 1

Name the 2 principles of a water-managed foundation.

Answer 1

1. Keep rainwater away from the foundation wall perimeter
2. Drain groundwater with subfloor perimeter footing drains

Question 2

What is the major difference between dampproofing and waterproofing?

Answer 2

Dampproofing delays the water, whereas waterproofing refers to the resistance of water. ( Slows down water egress vs stopping )

Question 3

What product is used in a crawl space to prevent moisture from affecting the floor framing?

Answer 3

6-mil polyethylene vapour barrier

Question 4

What are the 3 foundation types?

Answer 4

1. Crawl Space
2. Full Basement
3. Slab-on-Ground

Question 5

What are the 2 types of foundation settlement?

Answer 5

1. Differential settlement
2. Uniform settlement

Question 6

The strength of soils depends on:

Answer 6

• Presence/Absence of water
• Depth of foundation
• Size of foundation
• Bearing capacity

Question 7

What are the 2 types of footings?

Answer 7

1. Wall footings
2. Column footings

Question 8

What does strip footing support?

Answer 8

• Wall
• Floor

Question 9

Where is the frostline located?

Answer 9

min. 4’-6” to 5’-0”

Question 10

In new construction, what is a method used to prevent the ingress of soil of gas?

Answer 10

Sub-slab depressurization system
( or vapour barrier )

Question 11

How do you make cast-in-place foundation walls?

Answer 11

By pouring and placing concrete into formwork with spacers, including ties and rebars. ( Structural Engineer Responsibility )

Question 12

Name 2 of the stresses a foundation wall must resist.

Answer 12

1. Ground Forces/Pressure ( + Moisture )
2. Building Loads

Question 13

What is a pilaster?

Answer 13

Semi-column embedded within an existing wall. ( Contained in a wall: Used to support beams )

Question 14

What is the minimum slope of the finished grade away from a foundation wall?

Answer 14

5%

Question 15

Name 3 methods to control soil gases.

Answer 15

1. Polyethylene air barrier
2. Depressurization system
3. Exhaust pipe

Question 16

What is an example of a soil gas?

Answer 16

Radon: An odourless and tastless gas

Question 17

True or False. Footings receive the house loads through posts or foundation walls and then transmit these loads to the soil.

Answer 17

True.

Question 18

What are the differences between Steel Column Footing and Wood Column Footing?

Answer 18

The base of the steel column is embedded in the concrete floor, whereas for wood columns, a polyethylene layer separates wood from concrete. The base of the wood column may be soaked in wood preservatives for additional moisture protection.

Question 19

What is the function of the filter fabric used around the foundation drain?

Answer 19

A geotextile cover is used to prevent clogging. It is used to filter/prevent the finer soil particles from penetrating and blocking the foundation drain.

Question 20

What is the function of a foundation drain?

Answer 20

A system designed to divert water away from the foundation.

Question 21

What is the function of the foundation?

Answer 21

The function of the foundation is to transfer the structural loads from a building safely into the ground.

Question 22

A building experience… ( Name the types of loads and pressures )

Answer 22

• Dead load
• Live load
• Lateral loads:
  Wind loads
  Earthquake loads
• Horizontal pressures: Earth + Water
• Horizontal thrusts: Domes, Arches, etc.
• Buoyant uplift forces: Water

Question 23

What are the performance requirements of the Basement Envelope System?

Answer 23

1. Provide structural support for the building
2. Control heat loss
3. Control air leakage
4. Control moisture flow in and out
5. Meet other code requirements

Question 24

What is the standard height for a crawl space?

Answer 24

18”