Foundations and Retaining Walls

Abstract

The design of foundations and retaining walls is based on the fundamental principles and techiques of analysis which have been discussed in previous chapters. The analysis and design of both forms of structure are presented in this chapter. The reader should however be aware that some of the design values used, which have been extracted from Part 1 of EC2, may not be the design parameters to be used when the definitive EuroCode documents for foundations are eventually published. A building is generally composed of a superstructure above the ground and a substructure which forms the foundations below ground. The foundations transfer and spread the loads from a structure's columns and walls into the ground. The safe bearing capacity of the soil must not be exceeded otherwise excessive settlement may occur, resulting in damage to the building and its service facilities, such as the water or gas mains. Foundation failure can also affect the overall stability of a structure so that it is liable to slide, to lift vertically or even overturn.