Ground and Foundation Works: The Cornerstone of Building Safety
Ground and foundation works are critical processes that are carried out at the beginning of construction projects and directly affect the safety, durability and longevity of the structure. The robustness of a building largely depends on the structural characteristics of the floor and the correct design and construction of the foundation. In this article, we will discuss in detail the importance of ground and foundation works, their processes and their contributions to construction projects.
Ground Works: The First Step of Building Design
Before the construction of a structure begins, ground works are carried out. These studies are necessary to analyze the physical and geological characteristics of the land and to ensure that the structure is designed in accordance with these characteristics. The main purpose of the ground studies is to determine the bearing capacity of the ground and its suitability for the structure.
Ground work usually consists of the following stages:
Ground Survey:
Ground survey is the process of analyzing the topographic, geological and hydrogeological properties of the land. In this process, elements such as the thickness of the ground layers, underground water level, soil type and bearing capacity are evaluated.
Sampling and Laboratory Analysis:
The samples taken from the floor are analyzed in the laboratory environment and the soil properties are examined in detail. These analyses help to determine factors such as compressibility, slip resistance and bearing strength of the floor.
Reporting and Evaluation:
The obtained data is converted into a report, and this report becomes a guide for the design of the foundation. The ground survey report allows engineers to optimize the basic design.
Basic Works: The Process that Ensures the Durability of the Structure
The foundation is the most important building element that transfers the load of a structure to the ground and makes the structure stable. An accurate foundation design directly affects the safety and durability of the structure. In the foundation studies, a foundation type is selected that is suitable for the bearing capacity of the floor and the characteristics of the structure.
The basic types, in general, can be classified as follows:
Superficial Foundations:
It is usually used in cases where the bearing capacity of the floor is sufficient. These foundations transfer the load to the ground by spreading it over a large surface. Examples of them include continuous foundations, Decoupled foundations and singular foundations.
Deep Foundations:
It is preferred in cases where the ground bearing capacity is insufficient. Such foundations transmit the load to layers that are deeper and have a high carrying capacity. Pile foundations and well foundations can be given as examples.
Special Foundations:
They are foundations on which ground improvement methods are applied or used in complex ground conditions. For example, the foundations made by the jet grout method fall into this category.
Things to be Considered in Ground and Foundation Works
The success of ground and foundation works is possible with a detailed analysis and the right engineering solutions. The main elements that should be taken into account in this process are:
Ground Survey Accuracy:
The ground survey forms the basis of the foundation design. An incorrect or incomplete survey may endanger the safety of the structure.
Choosing the Appropriate Foundation:
A type of foundation suitable for factors such as the weight of the structure, the bearing capacity of the ground and the underground water level should be selected.
Ground Improvement Requirements:
If the bearing capacity of the floor is insufficient, soil improvement methods can be applied. For example, the floor can be strengthened using compaction, injection or drainage systems.
Underground Water Level Control:
The underground water level is a factor that directly affects the foundation work. Waterproofing or drainage systems can be used to solve this problem.
Sustainability in Ground and Foundation Works
Sustainability is of great importance in construction projects today. Environmental impacts can be minimized by using environmentally friendly methods in ground and foundation works. For example, recyclable materials and environmentally friendly soil improvement techniques support sustainability goals.
The Importance of Ground and Foundation Works
Ground and foundation work plays a critical role in the success of construction projects. Mistakes made in this process can cause the structure to encounter various problems in the long term. For example, an inadequate foundation design can lead to cracks, sittings or even complete collapse of the structure. For this reason, it is of great importance to use an expert engineering team and the right technologies in the ground and foundation works.
Ground and foundation work is one of the most critical stages in the construction process of a structure. These studies guarantee the safety, durability and longevity of the structure. Structures built with an accurate floor analysis and basic design have superior features both in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
The use of modern technologies and sustainable methods in soil and foundation works makes this process more efficient and environmentally friendly. Therefore, due attention should be paid to the ground and foundation works in every construction project.