What is meant by Foundation engineering?
The term "foundation engineering" refers to the planning, calculation, and analysis of foundations and other earth-contacting structural elements. It encompasses all aspects of the interaction between structures and the ground, including soil mechanics, foundation techniques, and geotechnical analyses.
Typical software functions in the area of "foundation engineering":
- Foundation design: Calculation and optimization of various foundation types such as isolated, strip, or slab foundations.
- Earth pressure calculation: Determination of earth pressures acting on retaining structures.
- Settlement analysis: Prediction and calculation of soil settlements under structural loads.
- Excavation support: Planning and design of sheet piling, soldier pile walls, and other shoring systems.
- Groundwater modeling: Simulation of groundwater flows and their effects on structures.
- Soil investigation: Evaluation and visualization of borehole profiles and soil parameters.
Examples of "foundation engineering":
- Calculation of the bearing capacity of an isolated foundation for an industrial hall.
- Design of a cantilever retaining wall for slope stabilization.
- Settlement prediction for a multi-story building on soft ground.
- Planning of a watertight excavation in water-bearing layers.
- Stability analysis of a slope in road construction.
- Dimensioning of pile foundations for a bridge.