Whether building single-family homes or the highest skyscrapers, the foundation is vital. Every building’s foundation has two primary purposes – to keep groundwater and soil moisture out and distribute the weight from load-bearing walls to the bedrock beneath.
In this post, AEI Inspections, your trusted experts in home inspections in Tulsa, will provide you with more information on building foundations:
What Are the Different Types of Foundations?
The two main categories of foundations are custom or code-compliant and non-compliant foundations. Code-compliant foundations can be either shallow or deep.
Shallow foundations are built on top of solid and permeable soils. Shallow foundations are the most common foundations, further divided into wood, concrete, and masonry.
Deep foundations are required for the most difficult soil conditions. Deep foundations can be spread footings, drilled piers, micro piles, and helical piles.
What Are the Examples of Shallow Foundations?
Wood foundations are the simplest foundations and most affordable. They are usually used for small houses. Wood foundations are typically built below ground level, susceptible to termite infestation, and have a shorter lifespan. They are, however, the most cost-effective option.
Concrete slabs supported by concrete piers are also inexpensive and can be used for a house of up to three bedrooms. They are suitable for colder climates because they are well insulated against cold. They are also resistant to the pressure of soil and groundwater.
Concrete slabs supported by steel piers are a good choice for larger houses because they are very strong and built to support any type of load. They can be built with block, brick, or stone, and they are very resistant to soil and groundwater pressure.
What Are the Examples of Deep Foundations?
Spread footings are deep foundations that are constructed entirely in the ground. They usually support a small house on top of a hill. They are built by digging holes and placing concrete footings in the holes.
Helical piers are very common in areas where there is high groundwater pressure. A helical pier is a four-sided tube-driven deep into the ground into the bedrock.
Micropiles are driven into the ground and have a smaller diameter than helical piers. They can be used for either a shallow or a deep foundation. They are often used to support deep excavations.
What Are the Advantages of Deep Foundations?
The most significant advantage of deep foundations is the ability to withstand the pressure of water tables and soil. Deep foundations are designed for the most difficult soil conditions or for a house in a low-lying area that is prone to flooding. They are also very strong and can support heavy loads such as earth retaining walls.
What Determines the Type of Foundation You Need for Your Building?
There are several factors that you need to take into account when choosing the foundation for your building. These factors include where you live, the type of soil or rock you have, the slope of your land, the size and weight of your building, and your financial situation.
If you live in a region with a higher water table, you need to make sure that your foundation can withstand the pressure from groundwater. This will be especially important if you have a basement or a crawl space. You need to make sure that you hire a reputable foundation repair contractor who can help you understand the best foundation for your home and give you recommendations.
Conclusion
The foundation plays a crucial role in the structural integrity of your house. It plays a vital role in supporting the weight of your home and can even lead to the failure of your house. You need to make sure that your foundation is strong and can withstand groundwater pressure.
If you are building a house, then it is essential that you get it inspected by a structural engineer in Tulsa since building foundations and their proper construction is crucial for the safety of your family and the longevity of your home. For the best inspection and the company that can help you figure out the right type of foundation for your home, contact us at AEI Inspections today!
If you need to do a home inspection in Tulsa, AEI Inspections can help you. Contact us today and set an appointment with our seasoned structural engineers to have your home thoroughly checked!
