Quiz1 Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is the definition of a foundation?
The lower portion of a building structure that transfers its load to the ground.
What is the primary function of a foundation?
Support the building’s weight (structural loads) and ensure stability.
Why is it important to have proper foundations?
Distribute loads evenly to prevent excessive settlement or movement and maintain structural integrity.
What historical basis do modern foundation techniques rely on?
Lessons from thousands of years of trial, error, and innovation
This highlights the evolution of construction practices throughout history.
What type of foundation did the builders of the Egyptian Pyramids use?
Raft foundations
Raft foundations are designed to distribute weight over a wider area.
What was the primary advantage of the raft foundations used in the Egyptian Pyramids?
They spread the weight of the pyramid evenly over a large area
This helped to ensure stability and prevent sinking or settling.
Fill in the blank: The Egyptian Pyramids are the oldest and most famous structures in the world, built with foundations that utilized _______.
natural stability and mass
This refers to the inherent properties of materials used in construction.
What construction materials did the Greeks and Romans perfect?
Stone and concrete
These materials were essential for durable and long-lasting structures.
What technique did Roman builders often use for creating stable bases?
Deep excavations filled with crushed stone, rubble, and lime mortar
This method allowed for a solid foundation for large structures.
Name two significant structures built by the Romans.
- Colosseum
- Pantheon
Both structures are examples of advanced engineering and construction techniques.
True or False: The foundations of the Colosseum and the Pantheon have endured for nearly two thousand years.
True
These structures are notable for their longevity and engineering excellence.
Medieval Europe and Gothic Architecture (circa 1100–1500 AD)
Builders used (deep trench foundations) filled with (stone and mortar) to create stability on uneven terrain.
Industrial Revolution (1800s)
Brought new building materials such as steel and reinforced concrete.
geotechnical engineering (20th century)
Geotechnical surveys which involve drilling test holes and analyzing (soil samples to determine its strength and stability.)
Advanced Materials and Technology
- (high-strength concrete and steel reinforcement_ allow for more durable and efficient designs.
- Computer-aided design (CAD),
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) and
- finite element analysis (FEA)
Site Investigation and Soil Properties
Geotechnical Surveys:
Importance of soil testing (boring logs, Standard Penetration Test, etc.).
Soil classification (cohesive vs. granular soils, bearing capacity, etc.).
Water Table Considerations:
Impact of groundwater on foundation choice and design.
Dewatering strategies if needed.
Environmental and Geological Factors:
Seismic activity, frost line depth, expansive soils (e.g., clays),
contamination issues.
Dead vs Live loads
Live loads are the weight of temporary parts of a structure, while dead loads are the weight of permanent parts
Dead Loads vs. Live Loads:
Building weight vs. occupancy and furniture loads.
Wind and Seismic Loads:
How lateral forces affect the foundation design.
Factor of Safety:
The concept of including safety margins in design to account for uncertainties.
Bearing Capacity:
The maximum load that the soil can support without experiencing excessive settlement or failure.
Compaction
The process of increasing soil density
Soil Stabilization:
Improves soil properties using chemical, mechanical, or biological treatments
Settlement:
The downward movement of a structure due to the compression of the soil beneath its foundation.
