Shallow & Deep Foundations
Figure 1. The Tower of Pisa in Italy, a widely-recognized foundation failure.Copyright 2004 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA. All rights reserved.
Students investigate the critical nature of foundations as they learn differences between shallow and deep foundations, including the concepts of bearing pressure and settlement. Using models representing a shallow foundation and a deep pile foundation, they test, see and feel the effects in a cardboard box test bed composed of layers of pebbles, soil and sand. They also make bearing pressure calculations and recommendations for which type of foundations to use in various engineering scenarios.
In a world of human-made structures (homes, schools, stores, skyscrapers, bridges, highways, parking garages and backyard decks), foundations are critical components for ensuring stability. Geological surveys provide important information to civil and structural engineers who design these structures, especially wide bridges and tall buildings. Engineers must know the site-specific characteristics of the soil and substrate, sometimes to great depths, so they can determine the most appropriate construction materials and type of foundation necessary to distribute the load and design a secure structure or bridge.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Create a model, investigate and explain the properties of shallow and deep foundations.
- Describe engineering terms such as bearing pressure and settlement.
- Use simple equations to analyze the forces affecting a foundation model.