This book is intended to take the reader through the complexities of foundation design. This will involve the stages of planning, geotechnical considerations, soil mechanics, foundation engineering, design and heaven help us, foundation failure.

The appropriate design of any foundation is dictated by site as well as structural considerations. Principal site concerns would include such factors as geologic structure, chemical and physical behavior of shallow soils, water control and disposal, vegetation, local climate, and topography. Structural concerns principally involve applied loads and specific bearing qualities.

Currently, a hot topic is residential or other light construction on expansive soils. The problems this combination produces results in serious litigation and an annual cost of several billion dollars. The problem is spiraling out of control. In the southwestern United States, the principal litigation focuses on residential foundation designs on expansive soil, involves homeowners versus engineers, architects, builders, foundation contractors, realtors, and/or insurers. Table 1 presents a statistical analysis of three principal residential foundation designs experiencing foundation failures. Before attempting to draw any conclusions, take into account the relative frequency of each type of foundation. From the stand point of foundation failure, there is no clear conclusion as to a best or preferred foundation. It is clear, however, that, in the geographic area represented by the study, the principal cause for slab foundation repair is upheaval, as opposed to settlement by a majority of nearly three to one.