2.5 Structural Elements

2.5.1 Foundation

Definition: The foundation is the part of the building construction where the base of the building meets the ground.

Foundation are usually placed below ground because the surrounding ground provides

1. Stability

2. Protection from the externs of weather such excessive rain or drought

2.5.1.1 Condition That Effect Foundation

You should consider the following condition when you choose the correct type of foundation

• The loads bearing capability of the ground

• The depth where you will find suitable load bearing soil

• The distance from trees which can affect the stability of the soil?

• The level of water table

• The normal variation in the water table

• The total weight of the building

2.5.1.2 Foundation Types

The foundation is divided into two types:

Natural foundation; this is the ground undemeath the building after the excavation are completed.

Artificial foundation: this is the structure that between the building and the natural foundation Artificial foundation carrier the building loads that is:

-Dead Load: these are the weight of all fixed part of the building such as the wall floor roof ceiling.

- Super imposed or live load: they are the weight of People furniture and machine that will occupy the building after completion

- Wind load: these are the pressure on the wall and roof from wind

- According to the TERZAGHI: artificial foundation is classified into two types

- Shallow foundation: a foundation is said to be shallow when its depth is equal to or less than width.

- Deep foundation: foundation is deep if its depth is equal to or greater than width.

These are the different types of foundation that you can use Concrete strip foundation:

• Deep strip foundation

• Raft foundation

• Piled foundation

• Pad foundation

• Steeped foundation

• Shallow Foundation

Shallow foundation may be the following types:

Spread Footing: spread footings are those which spread the supper imposed load of wall or column over a large area

Spread footing may be the following types:

• Single footing

• Sloped footing

• Stepped footing

Combined Footing: a spread footing which two or more column is termed as a combined footing

Strap Footing: if the independent footing of two column are connected by a beam is termed as strap footing

Raft Foundation: raft foundation are good solution if the soil has the poor bearing capacity

2.5.2 Walls

Introduction: wall is the most essential component of the building.

The primary function of the wall is to enclose or divide spaces of the building to make it more functional or useful wall separate the spaces inside and outside the building

Wall provide privacy afford security and give protection against heats cold, sun and rain. Wall provides support two floors.