What are the best practices for coordinating foundation design with other aspects of construction management?

1 Define the project scope and requirements

Before starting the foundation design, you need to have a clear understanding of the project scope and requirements, such as the site conditions, the building type, the expected loads, the budget, and the schedule. These factors will influence the choice of the foundation system, such as shallow or deep, isolated or continuous, slab-on-grade or basement, and so on. You should also consult with the client, the architect, the structural engineer, and other stakeholders to align their expectations and preferences.

2 Choose the appropriate foundation system

Based on the project scope and requirements, you should select the most suitable foundation system for your building. You should consider the advantages and disadvantages of different options, such as their cost, durability, constructability, sustainability, and compatibility with the soil and the superstructure. You should also perform a geotechnical investigation to assess the soil properties, such as the bearing capacity, the settlement, the drainage, and the seismic behavior. You should use the geotechnical report as a basis for your foundation design and specifications.

4 Prepare the foundation drawings and documents

Once you have finalized the foundation design, you should prepare the foundation drawings and documents for the construction phase. You should include all the relevant information and details, such as the foundation plan, the sections, the elevations, the dimensions, the materials, the reinforcement, the connections, the joints, the tolerances, and the notes. You should also prepare the foundation specifications, which describe the quality standards, the testing methods, the inspection procedures, and the acceptance criteria for the foundation work. You should review and verify the accuracy and completeness of the foundation drawings and documents before submitting them for approval.

6 Evaluate the foundation performance

After the completion of the foundation work, you should evaluate the foundation performance and compare it with the design expectations. You should collect and analyze the data and records from the foundation work, such as the soil samples, the concrete samples, the test results, the inspection reports, and the as-built drawings. You should also observe and measure the foundation behavior during the service life of the building, such as the settlement, the movement, the cracking, and the deterioration. You should identify and address any problems or defects that may affect the foundation performance and recommend any corrective or preventive actions.