Concrete and foundations
How foundations and concrete elements are sized, and how to avoid digging deeper and wider than you need to.
About this topic
Foundations are where unchecked assumptions cost the most, because the extra concrete and muck-away are paid for by the cubic metre. This topic explains how widths and depths are set and how to test the assumptions behind them.
How it’s sized: Wall load and the soil’s bearing capacity set the width. Soil type, trees and drains set the depth.
What you’ll learn at each level
1
Level 1: FoundationUnderstand the design
- Foundation types: strip, trench fill, pad, raft and piles
- Why soil type, trees and drains drive foundation depth
- Concrete grades, cover to reinforcement, ground-bearing and suspended slabs
- Reading foundation plans, sections and notes
2
Level 2: PractitionerCheck the design
- Sizing a strip foundation from the wall load and the assumed bearing capacity
- Foundation depth near trees on shrinkable clay
- Reinforced concrete basics: why the steel goes where it does
- Checking the engineer’s ground assumptions against what you actually dig
3
Level 3: AdvancedChallenge the design
- Trench fill, strip or raft: comparing cost and programme
- When piles or mini-piles are justified, and when they are not
- Reading reinforcement details and bar schedules
- Heave protection, drains near foundations and building over sewers
Draft outline. The full syllabus is sent with your course details.
Questions that save you money
The kind of question you’ll be able to put to your engineer, and understand the answer to.
- What bearing capacity has been assumed, and would a trial pit justify a narrower foundation?
- Is the depth set by a specific tree? Which one, and how far away is it?
- Would trench fill be cheaper than strip on this site?
Who it’s for
Builders & contractorsArchitectsProperty investorsSurveyors & PMs
One avoided mistake pays for the course.
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