ABSTRACT
The function of any foundation is to safely sustain and transmit to the ground on which it rests the combined dead, imposed and wind loads in such a manner as not to cause any settlement or other movement which would impair the stability or cause damage to any part of the building. The remedy is to increase plan size of foundation to reduce the load per unit area or, alternatively, reduce the loadings being carried by the foundations. Foundations can be affected by internal forces due to changes in volume if the water content of the subsoil changes around or below the foundations. The type of ground and the size, species and proximity of the tree to foundations are all variable factors. Trees up to 30m away may have an effect on foundations, therefore reference to local authority building control policy should be undertaken before specifying construction techniques.
