ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the principles and practice of domestic foundations. It focuses on key terminology, function and historic development of foundations. The chapter focuses on the general factors which affect the choice of foundation. It then considers appropriate solutions for specific ground conditions. The simplest and most common form of foundation comprises a strip of concrete under all of the loadbearing walls, known as a strip foundation. The foundations of houses must carry all of the following loads: the dead loads and the imposed loads. The Public Health Act 1875 required concrete foundations for all new houses, although it was several years before this practice became widespread, particularly outside of the main urban areas. Most soils consist of a mixture of solid particles, water and air. Apart from organic sub-soils and rock, there are two broad categories of sub-soil type: cohesive sub-soils and non-cohesive sub-soils.
