What is Foundation

The foundation is the most important part of any structure and most failures are probably due to poor foundations. Therefore, securing a good foundation is extremely important to maintain the stability of the structure. A good foundation should stay in position without sliding, bending, overturning or otherwise failing.

The foundation of any structure should be laid much below the surface of the ground in order to attain the following:

1. To secure a good natural bed.
2. To protect the foundation courses from atmospheric influences.
3. To increase the stability of the structure against overturning due to wind uplift.
4. The primary function of the foundation is to transmit the anticipated loads safely to the soil below. The foundation in a building structure is supposed to satisfy the following basic requirements in their design and construction:
5. To distribute the total load coming on the structure over a large bearing area so as to prevent it from any movement.
6. To load the bearing surface or area at a uniform rate so as to prevent it from any movement.
7. To prevent the lateral escape or movement of the supporting material or alternatively to ensure the stability of the structure against sliding.
8. To secure a level or firm natural bed upon which to lay the course of masonry and also support the structure.
9. To increase the stability of the structure as a whole to prevent it from overturning or sliding against the disturbing forces such as wind, rain and frost.