Project - No Foundation

[jetnollan]

I've been working for a project, extending a certain building for parking purposes. Unfortunately, the As Built were lost but somehow, we get some details of beams and columns. I am currently analyzing the structure with Etabs, How do I justify my project, as we don't have the detailed footing. Can I just say, " I assumed my base supports as my footing"?

 

[SwinnyGG]

Find the geotech report for the original project and design your foundation assuming the geotech report is correct

 

[EireChch]

Beams dont need foundations, but the columns that hold them up to.

Foundation could be a raft, isolated pads or a strip footing.

The best foundation depends on the loading, location of columns, ground conditions etc.

As a minimum I would put them on isolated pads and check the bearing capacity of the pad, settlement criteria and sliding risk

 

[jetnollan]

Even though its an existing structure, Do I really still need to design my foundation?

 

[SwinnyGG]

Uhh.. yes. Your building cannot be built without a foundation.

 

[EireChch]

Sorry my bad. Since this is a student topic you could just assume a foundation size and see if it works.

If it were a real project you would do trial pits beside the edge of building to confirm fdn thickness , depth and width

 

[jetnollan]

it was a thesis, my compliance for graduation