Geotechnical Parameters: Influencing Foundation Systems

Foundation is a critical part of any civil structure which plays a vital role in the overall safety of a structure. Foundation rests on soil, hence soil plays a crucial role in the foundation design of a structure. Soil, being a natural material; a varied type of soil that is present below the earth’s surface. A good foundation design aims safe, sustainable as well as economical foundation and for that the information regarding underground soil strata is essential. Behaviour of soil is analyzed based on properties of soil which can be made available with the help of site investigation and field as well as laboratory testing of soil. During the studio, students would be exposed to soil exploration work on site. Required soil tests would be performed on soil in the laboratory to define different soil properties and predict its behaviour. Students would carry out required calculations and design different types of foundations (Shallow and deep). In-depth knowledge of soil behaviour enables one to judiciously choose the best-suited foundation for the structure. Thus, the studio would enable students to conceptualize behaviour of different types of soils and design a suitable type of foundation for a structure making it safe and sustainable.