FOUNDATIONS

part of the building which sits on the ground, to carry the

built below ground and form the base for any structure and

a general reference to all the elements that make up the

structure and all elements between the ground and the

trench and soil/gravel/rock beneath the trench, concrete

throughout South Africa. For this reason, various types of

• •

than 2m.

following:

• the total load of the building/structure• • economics,• buildability, and• durability

groups are more appropriate when the structural loads

most common reference is in their form.

• • • • •

FOUNDATIONS

importance that we understand the loads a type of soil or

always recommended that the services of a geotechnical or

before any building work commences.

Standards

Any building should be designed to provide strength,

accordance with accepted standards. The design of the structural system of any building should be carried out in accordance with SANS 10160 (for loads) and SANS 10164 (for structural use of masonry). However, “deemed-to-

Warning: It should be noted that there is no standard

Empirical rules apply to buildings not exceeding two storeys in height and with loadings not exceeding those detailed

where the founding material is heavy soil, or shrinkable clay or a soil with collapsible fabric. These rules include that:

• • Concrete should have a compressive strength of at

not weaker than 1 part of cement to 4 parts of sand to 5 parts of coarse aggregate (see concrete mixes overleaf).

• of not less than 200 mm.

•

It is always recommend that the services of a structural

the structure.

said to suit all types of buildings - the variables are too vast and therefore making use of a structural engineer or geo technical engineer is always recommended

Ground Beams

CONCRETE

Concrete

Cement

Note:

Aggregates

Coarse aggregate (Stone)

Fine aggregate (Sand)

CONCRETE

www.theconcreteinsitute.org.za