Module 02
Choosing a foundation
Shallow, deep, or change the ground — and how the choice is actually made.
What this module covers
- Decide, in outline, when a shallow foundation is no longer the sensible answer
- Estimate the depth of ground a foundation actually stresses, and use it to judge which layers matter
- Explain why a deep foundation is not simply a stronger version of a shallow one
- Recognise ground improvement as a third option rather than a last resort
Lessons
The stressed volume decides which layers you have to care about.
Start lesson →Three options, and the questions that choose between them.
Start lesson →
Module checkpoint
Check what you have taken in
2 questions
Question 1
A 5 m square raft is founded at 2 m depth. Using an influence depth of 2B, how far below EXISTING GROUND LEVEL does the significantly stressed zone extend, in metres?
Question 2
Which statement about piles is correct?