Common Foundation Terminology

• Anchored walls: A type of retaining wall that is anchored to the soil or rock below to provide additional stability.
• Asbestos Remediation: The process of removing asbestos from a building or other structure, which can be hazardous to human health.
• Backfill: The soil or other material that is used to fill in the area around the foundation of a building after the foundation has been constructed.
• Basement: A partially or fully underground level of a building that can be used for storage, living space, or mechanical systems.
• Bioretention: A method of stormwater management in which a shallow depression is filled with soil, gravel, and vegetation to filter and infiltrate stormwater before it is released into the environment.
• Bullet Point List All Foundation: Terminology and Related Definitions.
• Cement stabilization: A method of soil stabilization in which cement is added to the soil to improve its strength and stability.
• Chlorination: A method of purifying water using chlorine or other chemical disinfectants to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
• Coir mat: A type of mat made of coconut fibers used to stabilize soil and improve the growth of vegetation on slopes, hillsides, and other areas prone to erosion.
• Collapse sinkhole: A sinkhole caused by the collapse of the soil into an underground void that forms suddenly and without warning.
• Compaction grouting: A method of ground improvement in which a grout mixture is injected into the soil to densify and strengthen it.
• Cover sinkhole: A sinkhole caused by the collapse of the soil into an underground void that forms gradually over time.
• Crawl space: A small, unfinished area located under the first floor of a building that provides access to plumbing and HVAC systems.
• Cut slope: A slope that is created by cutting into the natural ground surface.
• Deep foundation: A foundation that extends deep into the ground, typically more than 10 feet, to reach a stable soil layer.
• Downspout: A pipe that is used to direct water from a gutter away from a structure.
• Drainage ditch: A ditch or channel that is used to direct water away from a structure and prevent water damage or erosion.
• Drainage swale: A shallow channel that is used to direct water away from a structure and prevent water damage or erosion.
• Drainage system: A system of channels, pipes, or other materials that are used to remove water from an area and prevent water damage or erosion.
• Drainage: The process of removing water from an area to prevent water damage or erosion.
• Drip irrigation: A method of irrigation in which water is delivered to plants through a network of small tubes or emitters, allowing for precise and efficient watering.
• Dual plumbing system: A system that separates greywater and potable water in a building or site.
• Dynamic compaction: A method of ground improvement in which heavy weights are dropped repeatedly on the soil surface to compact and densify it.
• Earth pressure balance (EPB) tunneling: A method of underground excavation in which the soil is removed and replaced in such a way that the pressure of the surrounding soil is balanced, minimizing the risk of collapse or other damage to the tunnel.
• Erosion control blanket: A type of material that is used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes, hillsides, and other areas prone to erosion.
• Erosion control mat: A type of mat made of geosynthetic materials used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes, hillsides, and other areas prone to erosion.
• Erosion control: Techniques used to prevent or reduce soil erosion.
• Fill slope: A slope that is created by adding material to the natural ground surface.
• Filtration system: A system used in a rainwater harvesting system to remove debris, pollutants, and other contaminants from the collected rainwater.
• First flush diverter: A device used in a rainwater harvesting system to divert the initial flow of water, which may contain debris and pollutants, from entering the storage tank or cistern.
• Flood irrigation: A method of irrigation in which a field is flooded with water, allowing it to be absorbed by the soil and plants.
• Footings: The portion of a foundation that spreads the load of a structure over a larger area.
• Foundation drainage: A system of pipes or other materials that are used to divert water away from the foundation of a building to prevent water damage and foundation settling.
• Foundation settlement: The process of the soil beneath a foundation settling and causing the foundation to sink or become uneven.
• Foundation uplift: The process of the soil beneath a foundation expanding and causing the foundation to rise or become uneven.
• Foundation: A structure that transfers loads of a building or other structure to the ground.
• French drain: A type of drainage system that consists of a trench filled with gravel or other porous material that is used to collect and redirect water away from a structure.
• Frost line: The maximum depth to which the ground is expected to freeze in the winter.
• Frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF): A type of foundation that is designed to prevent frost heave in cold climates by keeping the frost line at or above the bottom of the foundation.
• Gabion: A type of retaining wall made of wire baskets filled with rock or other material.
• Geotechnical engineering: The branch of civil engineering that deals with the engineering behavior of earth materials and the design of foundations, slopes, retaining walls, and other earth-related structures.
• Grade beam: A reinforced concrete beam that runs around the perimeter of a building’s foundation to provide support and stabilize the structure.
• Graywater: Water that has been used in a household or building, such as water from sinks, showers, or laundry, that can be recycled and used for irrigation or non-potable uses.
• Green roof: A type of roof that is covered with vegetation to absorb and store rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion.
• Greywater treatment: The process of treating collected greywater for reuse in irrigation, toilets, and other non-potable uses.
• Ground improvement: Techniques used to improve the strength and stability of soil before building on it.
• Gutter: A channel that is installed along the edge of a roof to collect and redirect rainwater away from a structure.
• Heave: The upward movement of the ground surface due to natural or human-induced causes.
• Helical piles: A type of deep foundation in which helical-shaped steel shafts are screwed into the ground to support the structure.
• Hydroseeding: A method of planting vegetation using a mixture of seed, fertilizer, and water that is sprayed onto the soil surface.
• Irrigation: The application of water to plants, crops, or lawns to provide the necessary moisture for growth.
• Jet grouting: A ground improvement technique in which a high-pressure stream of water and cement is used to create solid columns of soil-cement mixture in the ground.
• Lateral load: A force that acts parallel to the surface of the earth, such as wind or an earthquake.
• Lime stabilization: A method of soil stabilization in which lime is added to the soil to improve its strength and stability.
• Live cribwall: A method of slope stabilization in which live branches or cuttings from shrubs or trees are bundled together and stacked like a cribwall to establish new roots and stabilize the slope.
• Live fascines: A method of slope stabilization in which live branches or cuttings from shrubs or trees are bundled together and inserted into the soil to establish new roots and stabilize the slope.
• Live staking: A method of slope stabilization in which live branches or cuttings from shrubs or trees are inserted into the soil to establish new roots and stabilize the slope.
• Load transfer platform (LTP): A method of ground improvement in which a layer of crushed stone or other material is placed on the soil surface to improve its load-bearing capacity and reduce settlement.
• Load-bearing foundation: A foundation that supports the weight of the structure above it.
• Mat foundation: A type of foundation in which a large concrete slab is used to support the entire structure.
• Micro-irrigation: A method of irrigation in which water is delivered to plants through small emitters or drippers, allowing for precise and efficient watering.
• MSE (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) wall: A type of retaining wall made of layers of soil and geosynthetic reinforcement materials that are held together by steel or other mechanical elements.
• Non-load bearing foundation: A foundation that does not support the weight of the structure above it, but instead serves as a level surface for the building to sit on.
• Ozonation: A method of purifying water using ozone to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
• Permeable pavement: A type of pavement that allows water to pass through it, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion.
• Pier foundation: A type of foundation in which individual support columns, or piers, are placed at strategic points under a building to support the structure.
• Pile foundation: A type of deep foundation in which piles are driven into the ground to support the structure.
• Please let me know if you have any more questions or specific term you would like more information on.
• Please let me know if you would like more information on any specific term or if you have any other question.
• Potable water treatment: The process of treating collected rainwater to make it safe for drinking.
• Preloading: A method of ground improvement in which soil is loaded with a heavy weight, such as sandbags or gravel, to compress and densify it before a building or other structure is built.
• Raft foundation: A type of shallow foundation in which a concrete slab is poured to cover the entire area of the structure, acting as a single unit to distribute the load.
• Rain garden: A type of garden that is designed to collect and store rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion.
• Rainwater harvesting for carwash: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in car wash facilities.
• Rainwater harvesting for commercial use: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in commercial buildings, such as office buildings, malls, and hotels.
• Rainwater harvesting for community use: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in community projects, such as public parks, schools, and community gardens.
• Rainwater harvesting for emergency use: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in emergency situations, such as during drought or natural disasters.
• Rainwater harvesting for fire protection: The collection and storage of rainwater for use in fire protection systems, such as sprinklers or standpipes.
• Rainwater harvesting for greywater reuse: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in greywater systems such as toilets, laundry, and irrigation.
• Rainwater harvesting for industrial use: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in industrial processes, such as cooling towers, boilers, and other equipment.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of bonsai: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of bonsai.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of cemeteries: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of cemeteries.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community aquaria: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community aquaria.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community arboretum: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community arboretum.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community arboretums: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community arboretums.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community athletic fields: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community athletic fields.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community aviary: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community aviary.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community baseball fields: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community baseball fields.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community basketball courts: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community basketball courts.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community bird sanctuaries: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community bird sanctuaries.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community BMX tracks: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community BMX tracks.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community bocce ball courts: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community bocce ball courts.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community botanic gardens: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community botanic gardens.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community botanical gardens: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use to irrigate community botanical gardens.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community butterfly gardens: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community butterfly gardens.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community cemeteries: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community cemeteries.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community city parks: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use to irrigate community city parks.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community disc golf courses: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community disc golf courses.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community dog parks: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community dog parks.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community farm: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community farm.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community fishing ponds: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community fishing ponds.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community fitness trails: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community fitness trails.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community football fields: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community football fields.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community gardens: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community gardens.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community golf courses: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community golf courses.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community greenhouses: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community greenhouses.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community herb gardens: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community herb gardens.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community hockey rinks: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community horse arenas: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community horse arenas.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community horseshoe pits: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use to irrigate community horseshoe pits.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community ice-skating rinks: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community ice-skating rinks.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community interpretive trails: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community interpretive trails.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community landscape: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community landscape.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community national parks: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use to irrigate community national parks.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community nature centers: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community nature centers.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community nature reserves: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community nature reserves.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community orchards: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community orchards.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community parks: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community parks.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community pickleball courts: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community pickleball courts.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community playgrounds: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community playgrounds.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community recreational areas: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community recreational areas.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community rock gardens: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community rock gardens.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community rose gardens: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community rose gardens.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community skate parks: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community skate parks.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community soccer fields: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community soccer fields.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community sports fields: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use to irrigate community sports fields.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community state parks: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community state parks.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community swimming pools: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community swimming pools.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community tennis courts: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community tennis courts.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community vineyards: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community vineyards.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community volleyball courts: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community volleyball courts.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community wetlands: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community wetlands.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community wildlife habitats: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community wildlife habitats.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community wildlife parks: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use to irrigate community wildlife parks.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of community zoological parks: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of community zoological parks.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of crops: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of crops.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of fruit trees: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of fruit trees.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of gardens: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of gardens.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of golf courses: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of golf courses.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of green roofs: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of green roofs.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of greenhouses: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of greenhouses.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of indoor plants: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of indoor plants.
• Rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in landscape irrigation.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of nurseries: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in the irrigation of nurseries.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of orchards: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of orchards.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of parks: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of parks.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of rooftop gardens: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of rooftop gardens.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of school gardens: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of school gardens.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of sports fields: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of sports fields.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of street trees: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of street trees.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of turf: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of turf.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of vegetable gardens: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in the irrigation of vegetable gardens.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation of vineyards: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation of vineyards.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation systems, such as watering lawns, gardens, and crops.
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigation: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in irrigation systems.
• Rainwater harvesting for laundry: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in laundry facilities.
• Rainwater harvesting for livestock: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in providing drinking water for livestock such as cows, horses, and sheep.
• Rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in non-potable applications, such as flushing toilets, laundry, or irrigation.
• Rainwater harvesting for other uses: The collection and storage of rainwater for other miscellaneous uses such as landscape irrigation, flushing toilets, and fire protection.
• Rainwater harvesting for potable use: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use as drinking water.
• Rainwater harvesting for residential use: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in residential buildings, such as homes, apartments, and condos.
• Rainwater harvesting for swimming pools: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in swimming pools.
• Rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use in flushing toilets.
• Rainwater harvesting permit: Local authorities require a permit or other legal authorization to collect, store, and use rainwater.
• Rainwater harvesting regulations: Building codes, zoning laws, and other regulations that govern the collection, storage, and use of rainwater in a specific area.
• Rainwater harvesting system benefits: The benefits of a rainwater harvesting system, such as reduced water bills, reduced water usage, and reduced strain on municipal water systems.
• Rainwater harvesting system capacity: The amount of water that a rainwater harvesting system can collect, store, and distribute.
• Rainwater harvesting system components: The various parts of a rainwater harvesting system, including gutters, downspouts, storage tanks or cisterns, and filtration devices.
• Rainwater harvesting system cost: The cost of designing, installing, and maintaining a rainwater harvesting system.
• Rainwater harvesting system design: The process of designing a rainwater harvesting system to meet the specific needs and requirements of a building or site.
• Rainwater harvesting system efficiency: The ability of a rainwater harvesting system to collect, store, and distribute water in an efficient and effective manner.
• Rainwater harvesting system inspection: The process of inspecting a rainwater harvesting system to ensure that it meets the necessary safety and performance standards.
• Rainwater harvesting system limitations: A rainwater harvesting system’s limitations include the need for regular maintenance and the potential for contamination or other health hazards if not properly designed and maintained.
• Rainwater harvesting system maintenance: The process of maintaining and repairing a rainwater harvesting system to ensure that it continues to function properly and safely.
• Rainwater harvesting system retrofit: The process of retrofitting an existing building or site with a rainwater harvesting system.
• Rainwater harvesting system: A system of components such as gutters, downspouts, storage tanks or cisterns, and filtration devices used to collect, store, and distribute rainwater.
• Rainwater harvesting: The collection and storage of rainwater for later use, such as irrigation or non-potable uses.
• Retaining wall: A structure that holds back soil or water and prevents it from sliding or eroding.
• Retention pond: A pond or other water feature that is used to collect and store rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding or erosion.
• Reverse osmosis: A method of purifying water by forcing it through a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved salts and other impurities.
• Rock check dam: A type of barrier used to control erosion on slopes and hillsides by slowing the flow of water and sediment.
• Ron Legarski Foundation: Data Compilation.
• Seismic design: The process of designing buildings and other structures to withstand earthquakes and other seismic activity.
• Seismic retrofitting: The process of strengthening existing buildings and other structures to make them more resistant to earthquakes and other seismic activity.
• Shallow foundation: A foundation that is not very deep and only extends a few feet below the surface of the ground.
• Silt fence: A type of barrier used to control sediment and prevent soil erosion on construction sites and other disturbed areas.
• Sinkhole: A depression in the ground caused by the collapse of the surface layer into an underground cave or other void.
• Slab-on-grade foundation: A type of foundation in which the main structure sits on a concrete slab that is in direct contact with the ground.
• Slope stability: The ability of a slope or embankment to resist failure or movement.
• Slope stabilization: The process of making a slope or embankment more stable to reduce the risk of failure or movement.
• Soil bearing capacity: Soil’s ability to support a structure’s weight without settling or experiencing failure.
• Soil bioengineering: The use of living plants and other biological materials to stabilize slopes, control erosion and improve soil health.
• Soil bio-mounding: A method of slope stabilization in which soil and organic matter are piled on top of the slope to establish vegetation and stabilize the slope.
• Soil erosion: The process by which soil is worn away by water or wind.
• Soil liquefaction: The process by which soil loses strength and stiffness during an earthquake, causing the ground to behave like a liquid and potentially damaging structures built on top of it.
• Soil mixing: A method of ground improvement in which a soil-cement mixture is created by mixing soil with cement, lime or other binding agents in-situ or in a controlled environment.
• Soil nailing: A method of stabilizing an existing slope by inserting steel reinforcement bars into the soil and attaching them to a retaining wall or other structure.
• Soil stabilization additives: Chemicals or other materials that are added to the soil to improve its strength and stability.
• Soil stabilization mat: A type of reinforcement material made of geosynthetic materials that is placed on the surface of a slope to increase its strength and stability.
• Soil stabilization: A method of improving the strength and stability of soil by adding materials such as lime or cement to the soil.
• Spread footing foundation: A type of shallow foundation in which the load of the structure is spread out over a larger area.
• Sprinkler irrigation: A method of irrigation in which water is delivered to plants through a network of sprinklers, providing a more general coverage of the area.
• Stone column: A type of ground improvement technique in which vertical columns of crushed stone or other material are placed in the ground to improve its load-bearing capacity.
• Stormwater harvesting: The collection and storage of stormwater for later use, such as irrigation or non-potable uses.
• Stormwater management: The process of managing and controlling the flow of rainwater to prevent flooding, erosion, and other water-related problems.
• Strap footing foundation: A type of foundation in which a structural member connects two or more isolated footings called a strap, providing stability to the structure.
• Subsidence sinkhole: A sinkhole caused by the collapse of underground mines, caves, or other underground voids.
• Subsidence: The gradual sinking or settling of the ground surface due to natural or human-induced causes.
• Subsurface drainage: The process of removing water from beneath the surface of an area to prevent water damage or erosion.
• Surface drainage: The process of removing water from the surface of an area to prevent water damage or erosion.
• Trench foundation: A type of foundation in which a trench is excavated and a concrete footing is poured in the bottom of the trench to support the structure.
• Turf reinforcement mat (TRM): A type of mat made of geosynthetic materials used to stabilize soil and improve the growth of vegetation on slopes, hillsides, and other areas prone to erosion.
• Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization: A method of purifying water using UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
• Underpinning: A method of strengthening or stabilizing the foundation of a building by adding support under the existing foundation.
• Vacuum consolidation: A method of ground improvement in which vacuum is applied to soil to remove water and air, increasing its density and strength.
• Vegetative barrier: A type of barrier made of vegetation used to control erosion on slopes and hillsides by slowing water flow and sediment flow.
• Vertical load: A force that acts in a downward direction, such as the weight of a building.
• Vibro-compaction: A soil stabilization method in which vibrations are used to densify soil, increasing its strength and stability.
• Waterproofing: A method of protecting the foundation of a building from water damage by applying a waterproofing membrane or other material to the surface of the foundation.