Every Online Course Has A Required Library Assignment Due

Every Online Course Has A Required Library Assignment Dueyour Library

Every online course has a required library assignment due. Your library assignment is a 4-5 page long research paper including the cover and the references pages. The Library Research Assignment is to be on a “Type of Foundation used in Residential or Commercial Construction” written in MS WORD DOCUMENT. You may also research "Common types of Foundation Systems in your area," "Retaining Wall Designs," or a related topic with instructor approval. Supporting materials such as charts, PowerPoint presentations, or pictures can be used in preparing the assignment.

A "List of References" indicating sources used must be included and cited in the text. The assignment must be formatted according to APA guidelines and follow Everglades University’s Library Guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

The foundation of any building is crucial for stability, safety, and longevity. In residential and commercial construction, various foundation types are employed based on soil characteristics, load requirements, and economic considerations. This paper explores the common types of foundations used in residential and commercial buildings, emphasizing their design principles, advantages, and suitability for different conditions.

Types of Foundations in Construction

There are several types of foundations in construction, primarily categorized into shallow and deep foundations. Shallow foundations include spread footings, mat foundations, and slab-on-grade foundations, while deep foundations involve piles and drilled shafts. Each type has distinct applications depending on site-specific factors.

Shallow Foundations

Spread footings are among the most common shallow foundations, used when soil bearing capacity is adequate near the surface. They distribute the load from the structure over a larger area, reducing stress on the soil (Das, 2010). Mat foundations or raft foundations are suitable for poor soil conditions, where multiple columns or walls are closely spaced, and load distribution needs to be uniform (Woodward, 2017).

Slab-on-grade foundations consist of a thick concrete slab cast directly on the ground, often used in warmer climates where ground freezing is not a concern. They provide a cost-effective option for low-rise residential buildings (Bowles, 2014).

Deep Foundations

When surface soils lack sufficient bearing capacity, deep foundations such as piles and drilled shafts are employed. Piles are driven or drilled deep into the ground to transfer loads to more competent soil layers or bedrock (Mitchell, 2018). They are especially useful in sites with high water tables or expansive clay soils.

Deep foundations offer stability for high-rise buildings, bridges, and commercial complexes where substantial loads are involved. The choice between driven and drilled piles depends on site conditions, load requirements, and economic considerations (Flynn & Ross, 2016).

Retaining Wall Designs

Retaining walls are essential for managing soil slopes and preventing erosion. Common types include gravity, cantilever, and anchored retaining walls. Gravity walls rely on their mass to hold back soil, while cantilever walls use reinforcing concrete and embedment into the soil. Anchored walls employ rods or cables for additional stability (Huang, 2013).

Design considerations involve load calculations, soil properties, and drainage. Proper drainage is critical to reduce hydrostatic pressure and extend the lifespan of retaining structures (Juran & Gryght, 2015).

In conclusion, selecting an appropriate foundation system depends on the specific requirements of the project, environmental conditions, and economic feasibility. An understanding of these systems allows engineers and builders to ensure safe, durable, and cost-effective structures.

References

  • B bowles, J. (2014). Foundation analysis and design. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Das, B. M. (2010). Principles of foundation engineering. Cengage Learning.
  • Flynn, S., & Ross, M. (2016). Pile foundation design and construction. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 142(4), 04016009.
  • Huang, S. (2013). Design of retaining walls. Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, 50(2), 1-15.
  • Juran, S., & Gryght, B. (2015). Soil-structure interaction in retaining wall design. Engineering Structures, 99, 133-143.
  • Mitchell, J. K. (2018). Deep foundations: Pile types and design. ASCE Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice No. 124.
  • Woodward, J. (2017). Foundation systems: Design and construction. Construction Engineer, 88(6), 45-49.