Loading Conditions

Non-uniformity of loading has to be considered in the choice of foundations particularly in highly compressible soils. It is not uncommon for buildings with different storeys to be built from the point of view of architectural considerations. Examples of high facades of churches adjoining lightly loaded structures are common on unconsolidated coastal areas. Distress cracks are often seen in such cases separating the two differently loaded portions. Solution to this problem is to provide separate foundations and provide for relative settlement. Rigid foundations with heavy reinforcements may be required to withstand the unequal loading and it will be highly uneconomical. Similar is the case of foundations for new structures adjoining old one