RAFT FOUNDATION Meaning and
Definition
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A raft foundation, also known as a mat foundation, is a type of shallow foundation used in civil engineering and construction. It is designed to spread the load of a building or structure over a larger area to ensure stability and prevent excessive settlement.
The term "raft" refers to the large horizontal slab that covers the entire footprint of the building and extends beyond its walls. This slab, commonly made of reinforced concrete, acts as a platform that transfers the weight of the building to the ground below. It provides a solid foundation, especially in areas with poor soil conditions or where the load-bearing capacity of the soil is low.
The construction process for a raft foundation typically involves excavating the site to the required depth, followed by placing a layer of compacted hardcore material. This layer acts as a subbase to enhance the stability of the foundation. Then, steel reinforcement bars are inserted into the excavated area, forming a grid-like pattern, which will provide additional strength and durability to the concrete slab. Finally, concrete is poured into the excavated area, securely encasing the reinforcement bars. The slab is then left to cure and harden before construction of the building can continue.
Raft foundations are commonly used in areas where the soil conditions are weak, such as clay or loose sandy soils. They ensure a wider distribution of the building's load, thus reducing the risk of differential settlement. Moreover, due to their extensive coverage area, they can also prevent differential settlement caused by variations in soil properties across the building footprint. Raft foundations are particularly suitable for large and heavy structures, such as high-rise buildings, warehouses, and industrial facilities.
Common Misspellings for RAFT FOUNDATION
- eaft foundation
- daft foundation
- faft foundation
- taft foundation
- 5aft foundation
- 4aft foundation
- rzft foundation
- rsft foundation
- rwft foundation
- rqft foundation
- radt foundation
- ract foundation
- ravt foundation
- ragt foundation
- ratt foundation
- rart foundation
- rafr foundation
- raff foundation
- rafg foundation
Etymology of RAFT FOUNDATION
The word "raft" in the term "raft foundation" comes from the Old Norse word "raptr", which means "log" or "timber". The term originally referred to the use of timber floating on water as a foundation. Over time, it came to describe a type of foundation that resembles a raft, as it provides a large, solid base similar to a floating platform. This type of foundation is used in construction to evenly distribute the weight of a building over a large area, particularly in areas with poor soil conditions.
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