Foundations

Question 1

In the CSI/CSC Master Format Sections for Earthwork, Foundations, and Below-Grade Waterproofing, which section division covers Retaining Walls?

Answer 1

32 32 00

Question 2

In the CSI/CSC Master Format Sections for Earthwork, Foundations, and Below-Grade Waterproofing, which section division covers Site Clearing?

Answer 2

31 10 00

Question 3

In the CSI/CSC Master Format Sections for Earthwork, Foundations, and Below-Grade Waterproofing, which section division covers Shoring and Underpinning?

Answer 3

31 40 00

Question 4

In the CSI/CSC Master Format Sections for Earthwork, Foundations, and Below-Grade Waterproofing, which section division covers Dampproofing and Waterproofing?

Answer 4

07 10 00

Question 5

What kinds of loads must a building support?

Answer 5

Dead Loads

Live Loads

Rain and Snow Loads (including drift)

Wind Loads

Seismic Loads

Lateral Soil Pressure Loads

Buoyant Uplift Forces

Flood Loads

Horizontal Thrusts

Question 6

What are the three (3) general requirements a building foundation must meet?

Answer 6

The foundation (incl. underlying soil and rock) must be safe against a structural failure that could result in collapse.
During the life of the building, the foundation must not settle in such a way as to damage the structure or impair its function.
Must be feasible, both technically and economically, and practical to build without adverse effects on surrounding property.

Question 7

What is differential settlement AND why is it bad for buildings?

Answer 7

Differential Settlement: occurs when settlement between different portions of a building settle at different rates.

The building becomes prone to deformation – floors slope, frames become distorted, walls and glass may crack, doors and windows may not work properly.

Question 8

Gross failure of a foundation, in which the soil fails completely to support the building, is extremely rare. (True or False)

Answer 8

True

Question 9

How are earth materials classified? (Select the three (3) best answers)

Answer 9

particle size, presence of organic content, sensitivity to moisture

Question 10

Shear resistance (the resistance to sliding) of frictional earth materials, such as gravel and sand, is directly proportional to the confining force pushing the particles together.

Answer 10

True

Question 11

Select the two soil types defined as coarse-grained:

Answer 11

sand gravel

Question 12

Clay particles are plate-shaped rather than spherical and smaller than silt particles.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

The ability for a coarse-grained soil to support the weight of a building depends on: (Select the two (2) best answers)

Answer 13

friction between soil particles
strength of the individual soil particles

Question 14

The drainage characteristics of a soil are important in predicting how water will flow on, around, and under a building substructure. (True or False)

Answer 14

True

Question 15

What type of log explains the soils taken across a site and sent to a laboratory for testing? (Select the best answer)

Answer 15

Boring

Question 16

What is the angle of repose?

Answer 16

The steepest angle at which an excavation may be sloped so that the soil will not slide back into the hole.

Question 17

Name five (5) excavation techniques (be sure to study these!):

Answer 17

Shoring

Slurry Walls

Sheeting (Timber, Steel, Pre-cast Concrete)

Soil Mixing

Bracing

Question 18

Name and draw three methods of bracing:

Answer 18

Crosslot

Rakers

Tiebacks

See diagrams in the chapter.

Question 19

What should be considered when excavating below the water table or flood plain?

Answer 19

dewatering

Question 20

What are the two primary factors that affect the choice of a foundation type for a building?

Answer 20

Subsurface soil and groundwater conditions

Structural requirements, including foundation loads, building configuration, and depth)

Question 21

Draw two examples of shallow foundations. What are they called (label them)?

Answer 21

Column footing

Wall footing

Question 22

Where is the substructure located?

Answer 22

Below grade between the foundation and the superstructure.

Question 23

Footings can legally extend beyond the property line because they are not visible.

Answer 23

False

Question 24

Draw a combined footing and a cantilevered footing (label each).

Answer 24

See the corresponding figure in the chapter.

Question 25

A _______________ is used in locations with seismic activity. (Select the best answer)

Answer 25

base isolator

Question 26

Define underpinning AND when would this highly specialized process be required?

Answer 26

Underpinning is the process of strengthening and stabilizing the foundations of an existing building. Reasons: (1) the existing foundations may never have been adequate to carry their loads, which leads to excessive settlement of the building; (2) a change in the building use or additions to the building may overload existing foundations; and (3) new construction near a building may disturb the soil around its foundation.

Question 27

Select three (3) alternatives that are available when foundation capacity needs to be increased:

Answer 27

Foundations may be enlarged New deep foundations can be inserted under shallow ones to carry the load to a deeper, stronger stratum of soil. The soil can be strengthened by grouting or chemical treatment.

Question 28

In a reinforced concrete footing, a key performs what action? (Select the best answer)

Answer 28

sliding

Question 29

Draw a typical basement foundation wall in a location where hydrostatic pressure is of concern.

Answer 29

See the typical foundation drawing (figure) in the chapter and add gravel on the outside of the drainage mat before adding soil/earth.

Question 30

What is the function of a perforated drainage pipe (also called a french drain) at the base of the footing?

Answer 30

To collect and move water away from the footing

Question 31

Architects hire which of the following consultants to design foundations for buildings?

Answer 31

structural engineer civil engineer