How can you ensure foundation design and construction is compatible with local geology?

Most importantly, a fresh geotech investigation would help in designing the most suitable type of foundation. Subsurface exploration is required to be carried out uptil suitable depth covering the expected stress bulb beneath the proposed foundation due to superstructure load. Measurement of ground water conditions and seasonal variations would help in correct assessment of settlements and effects on foundation being designed. Seismic details of site must be noted from correct reference. Soil/rock samples for all required lab tests need to be extracted and transported to lab as per required standards. Results of lab tests will ultimately help the designer to implement the correct design approach and finalize the geotechnical design.

Site investigation is an ongoing process vital for project success. Regular monitoring is essential due to potential geological, groundwater, and seismic changes impacting foundation performance. This dynamic nature demands adjustments to design and construction. Beyond technical aspects, site investigation holds legal and ethical dimensions. Designers and contractors bear a duty of care, ensuring work doesn't harm the environment or people, adhering to codes and standards. Collaboration is key, involving stakeholders like architects, engineers, geologists, and supervisors. Each plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and reliability of site investigation data.

Knowing the site before construction is a great asset to a better project, then this site investigation needs to be done by the land experts to determine the life span of the land, it strength to hold larger structures and eco friendly nature .

In selecting the most appropriate foundation type based on the site investigation report, it's crucial to consider various factors such as soil stability, load-bearing capacity, and potential settlement. Additionally, implementing a comprehensive geotechnical analysis can provide valuable insights into subsurface conditions, aiding in the decision-making process. One strategy is to integrate modern geotechnical technologies, like advanced soil testing and monitoring systems, to gather real-time data. This approach enhances the precision of foundation design and allows for adjustments based on dynamic site conditions.

Foundation type selection is a multidisciplinary task, encompassing geotechnical, structural, architectural, environmental, and economic considerations. Collaboration among designers, contractors, and project team members is vital for alignment with project requirements. This decision is dynamic, subject to adjustments based on material availability, site conditions, and construction progress. Factors such as load dynamics, soil behavior, and environmental impacts must be meticulously analyzed to ensure optimal foundation performance. The complexity of this decision underscores the need for careful evaluation of technical, functional, aesthetic, environmental, and economic aspects.

Type of foundation will be governed by bearing capacity of soil/rock, extent of soil settlement, liquefaction potential of soil and type/design of superstructure to be constructed. Preferably shallow foundations are to be recommended in case of more stable soils near and below surface layers. All required geotechnical analysis are to be carried out as per the specified standards to ensure the correct foundation type is designed. In case of weak soil unable to support shallow foundations, deep foundation may be necessitated and designed. A thorough analysis be carried out for design of deep foundation as it involves field load testing also as required in case of pile foundation.

Foundation design is a meticulous process, harmonizing structural needs, load distribution, site conditions, material choices, safety factors, and compliance with codes. This intricate dance ensures structures stand resilient against time and environmental dynamics. Collaboration between geotechnical and structural engineers becomes pivotal, crafting foundations that seamlessly integrate precision and environmental consciousness, defining structures that endure and inspire.

Foundation design marries calculation, creativity, and innovation. Exploring options, weighing pros and cons, and applying engineering judgment are crucial. Aesthetic alignment with the structure and landscape is paramount. Synthesizing geotechnical and structural aspects ensures system functionality. Optimization targets peak performance, minimizing material use, costs, and environmental impact. Addressing uncertainties demands safety factors and reliability methods. Validation, beyond software, is vital—cross-referencing assumptions with empirical data ensures accuracy. Foundation design, a holistic process, harmonizes technical excellence with creative ingenuity.

As geotechnical engineers, we push to be allowed a final review of plans and specs to verify our recommendations were properly interpreted. Too often, team meetings are delegated to the structural, and geotechs are not included much post-report. HUGE mistake. True story: the owner/design team decided to eliminate a basement due to cost. They did not inform me or ask if that was going to affect the bearing pressure (it did). I got a call from our field staff indicating the soil was not even close to meeting the design bearing- because they were bearing on 15 feet of loose sand that should have been removed during basement construction. The project was delayed as the foundations were redesigned for the lower allowable bearing pressure.

Foundation construction is more than building; it's meticulous planning, coordination, and adaptability. Aligning with project goals, effective project management ensures progress, quality, and cost control. Flexibility is crucial, addressing site challenges while following design specifications. Incorporating engineering judgment allows necessary adjustments, well-documented and approved. Continuous improvement is key, drawing from past projects. Completion isn't the endpoint; rigorous testing and verification ensure the foundation meets design expectations. Thorough documentation provides valuable insights for refinement. Foundation construction is a dynamic process, emphasizing adaptability, improvement, and rigorous testing.

Construction-phase services are a continuation of the geotechnical evaluation. The Geotechnical Engineer of Record (GER) firm is best suited to provide subsurface construction phase quality control. We best understand what went into the analysis, we understand the field challenges, we communicate challenges to our staff, and our field staff can freely communicate with us on questions and quickly come up with solutions. Too often, misinterpretation of geotechnical recommendations contributes to compounding issues during construction. We aren't just pushing for more profit when we recommend we be retained during construction. Failure to continue the relationship with the geotechnical engineer in favor of fees is penny-wise/pound-foolish.

Foundation maintenance transcends repair—it's about prevention and enhancement. Crucial for defects, preventive measures mitigate future risks. Techniques shield against weather, water, soil, and human activities. Improving involves modifications like reinforcement or insulation. Maintenance includes inspection, monitoring, and evaluation. Regular checks ensure function; continuous monitoring collects data. Evaluation, comparing with design, guides periodic assessments. Responsibility aligns with sustainability—using eco-friendly materials and adapting ensures longevity. Foundation maintenance is holistic, balancing repair, prevention, and enhancement for sustained performance and environmental responsibility.

For the love of all that is- hire the geotechnical engineer of record to provide construction phase services, which are considered part of the geotechnical services. We are seeing more cases where the third party inspection firm, if not the GER, are simply testing & not providing recommendations when foundation and/or earthwork issues occur. Instead, they put any recommendations back on the GER- and I am not in the habit of providing free services or teaching my peer firms’ employees how to do their jobs. Penny wise- pound foolish.