examine the function of foundations and challenges associated with constructing
ID: 1732556 • Letter: E
Question
examine the function of foundations and challenges associated with constructing various types of foundations. Consider the following types of structures:
-High-rise building in a congested urban environment (Chicago, Illinois, or San Francisco, California)
-Condominium project in a mountain community (Vail, Colorado, or Park City, Utah)
-Large shopping complex in a suburban setting (Phoenix, Arizona, or Miami, Florida)
Begin by identifying the type of foundation that might be most appropriate for each structure. Provide rationale for your selection and discuss the specific function that the foundation serves for each structure.
In addition, compare and contrast the scope and the difficulties associated with constructing building foundations for each of the structures listed.
Explanation / Answer
1) High rise building in a congested urban environment :
In this case as you have mentioned it is a congested area there may be a huge possibility of presence of the same high rise buildings in and around the site where the building has to be constructed. In that case the soil may be stressed already and there is a possibility that the soil is over stressed and it may result in failure of foundation if shallow foundation is adopted. So it is better to go for deep foundation like pile foundation. By using the pile foundation the heavy load coming from the high rise building can be handled easily.
2) Condominium project in a mountain community: As you have mentioned that the project is setup on the mountain community there is a huge chance of getting a rocky and hard foundation in a shallow depth. So it is advisible to go for a continuous shallow footing in this case.
3) Large shopping complex in a sub urban setting:
In this case i assume that the soil is not stressed properly before, as it is in a semi urban area. By testing the soil one can come into a fair idea about the soil bearing capacity of the soil and so that the suitable type of foundation can be selected.
Pile foundation:
Foundation goes for a large depth.
Heavy load can be handled easily.
Difficulties:
Skilled Labour is required.
Due care must be taken while driving the pile.
Shallow foundation:
Less depth of excavation.
Can be managed with semi skilled labourers.
Cost of construction will be less.
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