Encouraging Homeowners to Track Changes in Floor Elevation

Encouraging Homeowners to Track Changes in Floor Elevation

Importance of regular inspections and monitoring to ensure the longevity of foundation repairs

Common causes of floor elevation changes and their impact on residential structures


Certainly! Obtaining proper permits is necessary for any foundation repair service foundation crack repair service near me concrete. Understanding the common causes of floor elevation changes and their impact on residential structures is crucial for homeowners. This knowledge not only helps in maintaining the integrity of the home but also in ensuring the safety and comfort of its inhabitants.

One of the primary causes of floor elevation changes is soil movement. This can occur due to a variety of factors such as changes in moisture content, temperature fluctuations, or the presence of expansive soils. When soil expands or contracts, it can exert pressure on the foundation of a house, leading to uneven settling or heaving. This is particularly common in areas with clay-rich soils, which are known for their tendency to swell when wet and shrink when dry.

Another significant factor is the natural settling of a house over time. As a building ages, the materials it's made from can compact or shift slightly, leading to minor changes in floor elevation. While this is a normal part of a home's life cycle, excessive settling can indicate more serious structural issues that require professional attention.

Water damage, whether from leaks, flooding, or poor drainage, can also lead to changes in floor elevation. Water can weaken the soil beneath a foundation, causing it to shift or settle unevenly. Additionally, water can cause wood to swell or rot, further exacerbating the problem.

The impact of these changes on residential structures can be substantial. Uneven floors can lead to cracks in walls, doors and windows that stick or won't close properly, and an overall feeling of instability in the home. In severe cases, it can compromise the structural integrity of the house, posing a safety risk to its occupants.

Encouraging homeowners to track changes in floor elevation is therefore not just about maintaining aesthetic appeal, but about safeguarding the home's structural health. Regular monitoring can help identify issues early, allowing for timely interventions that can prevent more serious damage. Simple tools like a level or even a smartphone app can aid in this tracking process, making it accessible for all homeowners.

In conclusion, being aware of the common causes of floor elevation changes and their potential impact on residential structures is essential. It empowers homeowners to take proactive steps in maintaining their homes, ensuring a safe and stable living environment for years to come.

Benefits of early detection and tracking of floor elevation alterations


Certainly!

The benefits of early detection and tracking of floor elevation alterations are manifold and crucial for homeowners. First and foremost, early detection allows for timely intervention. By regularly monitoring changes in floor elevation, homeowners can identify potential issues before they escalate into more serious problems. This proactive approach can prevent costly repairs down the line, as minor adjustments can often be made to rectify small discrepancies in elevation.

Additionally, tracking floor elevation changes can serve as an early warning system for underlying structural issues. Shifts in floor elevation may indicate foundational problems, such as settling or shifting soil, which if left unchecked, could compromise the integrity of the entire home. By catching these issues early, homeowners can take appropriate measures to address them, preserving the stability and safety of their property.

Furthermore, monitoring floor elevation changes can also help homeowners maintain the aesthetic appeal of their homes. Uneven floors can be unsightly and may detract from the overall appearance of a space. By keeping track of any alterations in elevation, homeowners can take steps to ensure that their floors remain level and uniform, enhancing the visual appeal of their living spaces.

Moreover, early detection and tracking of floor elevation changes can provide valuable insights into the overall condition of a home. By documenting changes over time, homeowners can gain a better understanding of how their property is aging and identify any patterns or trends that may emerge. This information can be invaluable when making decisions about renovations, repairs, or maintenance, allowing homeowners to prioritize areas of concern and allocate resources effectively.

In conclusion, the benefits of early detection and tracking of floor elevation alterations are clear. From preventing costly repairs to preserving the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of a home, monitoring changes in floor elevation is a proactive and prudent approach to homeownership. By staying vigilant and attentive to these changes, homeowners can ensure the long-term health and vitality of their properties.

Methods and tools homeowners can use to effectively monitor floor elevation


Monitoring floor elevation is crucial for homeowners to ensure the structural integrity of their homes and prevent potential issues such as flooding, foundation cracks, or uneven settling. There are several effective methods and tools that homeowners can use to keep a vigilant eye on any changes in floor elevation.

One of the simplest and most accessible methods is the use of a standard carpenter's level. This handheld tool can be placed on various parts of the floor to check for any irregularities or slopes. Homeowners should take measurements at different points and compare them over time to identify any gradual changes. For a more detailed analysis, a spirit level with a longer beam can provide more accurate readings across larger areas.

Another useful tool is the laser level. This device projects a straight line onto the floor, allowing homeowners to detect even the slightest deviations from a flat surface. Laser levels are particularly effective for larger spaces and can be used to compare elevation across different rooms or sections of the home.

For those who prefer a more technological approach, there are digital elevation monitors available. These devices can be placed on the floor and will provide precise measurements of any changes in elevation. Some models even come with software that allows homeowners to track changes over time and generate reports.

In addition to these tools, regular visual inspections can also be incredibly effective. Homeowners should look for signs of unevenness, such as gaps forming around door frames or cracks in the walls. These visual cues can often indicate underlying issues with floor elevation.

Lastly, engaging professional services for periodic inspections can provide peace of mind. Structural engineers or home inspectors can offer expert insights and recommendations based on their findings.

By utilizing these methods and tools, homeowners can effectively monitor changes in floor elevation, ensuring the long-term stability and safety of their homes.

Case studies illustrating the consequences of ignoring changes in floor elevation


Certainly! Here's a short essay on "Case studies illustrating the consequences of ignoring changes in floor elevation" for the topic "Encouraging Homeowners to Track Changes in Floor Elevation":

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In recent years, the importance of monitoring and addressing changes in floor elevation within homes has become increasingly apparent. Ignoring these changes can lead to a cascade of problems, ranging from minor inconveniences to significant structural issues. To underscore the necessity of tracking floor elevation changes, let's delve into a few case studies that illustrate the consequences of neglecting this critical aspect of home maintenance.

**Case Study 1: The Sinking Living Room**

In a suburban neighborhood, the Smith family noticed that their living room floor seemed slightly uneven. Initially, they attributed it to poor installation and decided to ignore it, hoping it would not worsen. Over the next few years, the unevenness became more pronounced, leading to tripping hazards and difficulties in placing furniture. Eventually, they discovered that the issue stemmed from soil erosion under the house's foundation. By the time they addressed the problem, the cost of repairs had skyrocketed, and they faced the additional hassle of rearranging their lives during the renovation period. This case highlights how a small, seemingly insignificant change in floor elevation can escalate into a major repair project if left unaddressed.

**Case Study 2: The Flooded Basement**

In another instance, the Johnsons experienced recurrent flooding in their basement during heavy rains. Initially, they assumed it was due to poor drainage around their home. However, after several frustrating years of attempting to mitigate the issue with sump pumps and exterior grading, they consulted a structural engineer. The engineer discovered that the floor elevation in their basement had shifted, causing the foundation to crack and allowing water to seep in. Had the Johnsons tracked changes in their floor elevation earlier, they might have identified the foundation issue sooner, potentially saving thousands of dollars in water damage repairs and mitigation costs.

**Case Study 3: The Wobbly Kitchen**

The Martinez family loved their open-concept kitchen, but over time, they noticed that their kitchen floor felt increasingly wobbly. They dismissed it as a minor issue, chalking it up to the house "settling." However, during a routine inspection for selling their home, an inspector revealed that the shifting floor elevation was a symptom of underlying foundation problems caused by expansive soil. The necessary repairs not only diminished the home's value but also left the Martinez family stressed and out of pocket. This case emphasizes how tracking floor elevation changes could have provided early warning signs of more severe foundation issues, allowing for timely and less costly interventions.

These case studies serve as stark reminders of the potential consequences of ignoring changes in floor elevation. By encouraging homeowners to regularly monitor and address these changes, we can prevent minor issues from becoming major headaches. Tracking floor elevation is not just about maintaining a level home; it's about preserving the structural integrity and value of one's most significant investment.

Professional services available for assessing and repairing residential foundations


Maintaining the integrity of a home's foundation is crucial for ensuring the safety and value of a property. Over time, various factors such as soil movement, water damage, and natural wear and tear can lead to changes in floor elevation. Recognizing these changes early can prevent more severe structural issues down the line. This is where professional services specializing in assessing and repairing residential foundations become invaluable.

Homeowners should be encouraged to track changes in floor elevation regularly. This can be as simple as using a level to check for uneven surfaces or noticing gaps between walls and floors. Early detection of such changes can prompt timely intervention, potentially saving homeowners from costly repairs in the future.

Professional services in this field offer comprehensive assessments that go beyond what a homeowner might notice. Experts use advanced tools and techniques to evaluate the extent of foundation issues. They can identify the underlying causes, whether it's poor drainage, soil composition, or external factors like nearby construction.

Once the assessment is complete, these professionals provide tailored solutions to address the specific issues. This might include installing piers to stabilize the foundation, repairing cracks, or implementing drainage systems to manage water flow around the home. Their expertise ensures that repairs are not only effective but also sustainable, aiming to prevent future problems.

Moreover, engaging with professional services fosters a sense of security for homeowners. Knowing that experts are overseeing the health of their home's foundation allows them to focus on other aspects of homeownership with peace of mind. It also ensures that any repairs are done correctly, adhering to building codes and standards.

In conclusion, encouraging homeowners to track changes in floor elevation and seek professional services for foundation assessment and repair is a proactive approach to homeownership. It not only safeguards the structural integrity of the home but also preserves its value and safety for years to come.

Tips for homeowners on when to seek expert advice for foundation issues


Certainly! Maintaining a home is a continuous process that requires vigilance and care, especially when it comes to the foundation, which is the backbone of any structure. Homeowners should be particularly attentive to changes in floor elevation, as these can indicate underlying issues with the foundation. While minor fluctuations might be normal, significant changes should never be ignored. Here are some tips for homeowners on when to seek expert advice for foundation issues.

Firstly, if you notice that your floors are sloping or uneven, this is a clear sign that something is amiss. Floors should generally be level, and any deviation from this can indicate that the foundation is settling or shifting. This is particularly concerning if the changes are sudden or if they seem to be getting worse over time. In such cases, it's wise to consult a professional who can assess the situation and provide guidance on the next steps.

Another red flag is the appearance of cracks in your walls or floors. While small, hairline cracks can sometimes be a natural part of a home's settling process, larger cracks or those that seem to be widening are a cause for concern. These can be indicative of more serious foundation issues that require immediate attention from an expert. It's important to have these evaluated to prevent further damage and ensure the safety and stability of your home.

Additionally, doors and windows that stick or don't close properly can also be a sign of foundation problems. If you find yourself having to force doors shut or if windows are difficult to open and close, it could be because the frame has shifted slightly due to foundation movement. This is another situation where seeking professional advice is crucial.

Lastly, if you experience water pooling around the foundation of your home, especially after heavy rain, this could lead to serious issues. Water can weaken the foundation over time, leading to cracks and other structural problems. An expert can help you address drainage issues and reinforce the foundation to prevent future problems.

In conclusion, while minor changes in floor elevation might be nothing to worry about, significant or worsening changes should prompt homeowners to seek expert advice. Early detection and intervention can save you from more extensive and costly repairs down the line. Keeping an eye on these signs and acting promptly when they arise will help ensure the longevity and safety of your home.



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Boston's Big Dig presented geotechnical challenges in an urban environment.
Precast concrete retaining wall
A typical cross-section of a slope used in two-dimensional analyzes.

Geotechnical engineering, also known as geotechnics, is the branch of civil engineering concerned with the engineering behavior of earth materials. It uses the principles of soil mechanics and rock mechanics to solve its engineering problems. It also relies on knowledge of geology, hydrology, geophysics, and other related sciences.

Geotechnical engineering has applications in military engineering, mining engineering, petroleum engineering, coastal engineering, and offshore construction. The fields of geotechnical engineering and engineering geology have overlapping knowledge areas. However, while geotechnical engineering is a specialty of civil engineering, engineering geology is a specialty of geology.

History

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Humans have historically used soil as a material for flood control, irrigation purposes, burial sites, building foundations, and construction materials for buildings. Dykes, dams, and canals dating back to at least 2000 BCE—found in parts of ancient Egypt, ancient Mesopotamia, the Fertile Crescent, and the early settlements of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa in the Indus valley—provide evidence for early activities linked to irrigation and flood control. As cities expanded, structures were erected and supported by formalized foundations. The ancient Greeks notably constructed pad footings and strip-and-raft foundations. Until the 18th century, however, no theoretical basis for soil design had been developed, and the discipline was more of an art than a science, relying on experience.[1]

Several foundation-related engineering problems, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, prompted scientists to begin taking a more scientific-based approach to examining the subsurface. The earliest advances occurred in the development of earth pressure theories for the construction of retaining walls. Henri Gautier, a French royal engineer, recognized the "natural slope" of different soils in 1717, an idea later known as the soil's angle of repose. Around the same time, a rudimentary soil classification system was also developed based on a material's unit weight, which is no longer considered a good indication of soil type.[1][2]

The application of the principles of mechanics to soils was documented as early as 1773 when Charles Coulomb, a physicist and engineer, developed improved methods to determine the earth pressures against military ramparts. Coulomb observed that, at failure, a distinct slip plane would form behind a sliding retaining wall and suggested that the maximum shear stress on the slip plane, for design purposes, was the sum of the soil cohesion, , and friction , where is the normal stress on the slip plane and is the friction angle of the soil. By combining Coulomb's theory with Christian Otto Mohr's 2D stress state, the theory became known as Mohr-Coulomb theory. Although it is now recognized that precise determination of cohesion is impossible because is not a fundamental soil property, the Mohr-Coulomb theory is still used in practice today.[3]

In the 19th century, Henry Darcy developed what is now known as Darcy's Law, describing the flow of fluids in a porous media. Joseph Boussinesq, a mathematician and physicist, developed theories of stress distribution in elastic solids that proved useful for estimating stresses at depth in the ground. William Rankine, an engineer and physicist, developed an alternative to Coulomb's earth pressure theory. Albert Atterberg developed the clay consistency indices that are still used today for soil classification.[1][2] In 1885, Osborne Reynolds recognized that shearing causes volumetric dilation of dense materials and contraction of loose granular materials.

Modern geotechnical engineering is said to have begun in 1925 with the publication of Erdbaumechanik by Karl von Terzaghi, a mechanical engineer and geologist. Considered by many to be the father of modern soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering, Terzaghi developed the principle of effective stress, and demonstrated that the shear strength of soil is controlled by effective stress.[4] Terzaghi also developed the framework for theories of bearing capacity of foundations, and the theory for prediction of the rate of settlement of clay layers due to consolidation.[1][3][5] Afterwards, Maurice Biot fully developed the three-dimensional soil consolidation theory, extending the one-dimensional model previously developed by Terzaghi to more general hypotheses and introducing the set of basic equations of Poroelasticity.

In his 1948 book, Donald Taylor recognized that the interlocking and dilation of densely packed particles contributed to the peak strength of the soil. Roscoe, Schofield, and Wroth, with the publication of On the Yielding of Soils in 1958, established the interrelationships between the volume change behavior (dilation, contraction, and consolidation) and shearing behavior with the theory of plasticity using critical state soil mechanics. Critical state soil mechanics is the basis for many contemporary advanced constitutive models describing the behavior of soil.[6]

In 1960, Alec Skempton carried out an extensive review of the available formulations and experimental data in the literature about the effective stress validity in soil, concrete, and rock in order to reject some of these expressions, as well as clarify what expressions were appropriate according to several working hypotheses, such as stress-strain or strength behavior, saturated or non-saturated media, and rock, concrete or soil behavior.

Roles

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Geotechnical investigation

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Geotechnical engineers investigate and determine the properties of subsurface conditions and materials. They also design corresponding earthworks and retaining structures, tunnels, and structure foundations, and may supervise and evaluate sites, which may further involve site monitoring as well as the risk assessment and mitigation of natural hazards.[7][8]

Geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists perform geotechnical investigations to obtain information on the physical properties of soil and rock underlying and adjacent to a site to design earthworks and foundations for proposed structures and for the repair of distress to earthworks and structures caused by subsurface conditions. Geotechnical investigations involve surface and subsurface exploration of a site, often including subsurface sampling and laboratory testing of retrieved soil samples. Sometimes, geophysical methods are also used to obtain data, which include measurement of seismic waves (pressure, shear, and Rayleigh waves), surface-wave methods and downhole methods, and electromagnetic surveys (magnetometer, resistivity, and ground-penetrating radar). Electrical tomography can be used to survey soil and rock properties and existing underground infrastructure in construction projects.[9]

Surface exploration can include on-foot surveys, geologic mapping, geophysical methods, and photogrammetry. Geologic mapping and interpretation of geomorphology are typically completed in consultation with a geologist or engineering geologist. Subsurface exploration usually involves in-situ testing (for example, the standard penetration test and cone penetration test). The digging of test pits and trenching (particularly for locating faults and slide planes) may also be used to learn about soil conditions at depth. Large-diameter borings are rarely used due to safety concerns and expense. Still, they are sometimes used to allow a geologist or engineer to be lowered into the borehole for direct visual and manual examination of the soil and rock stratigraphy.

Various soil samplers exist to meet the needs of different engineering projects. The standard penetration test, which uses a thick-walled split spoon sampler, is the most common way to collect disturbed samples. Piston samplers, employing a thin-walled tube, are most commonly used to collect less disturbed samples. More advanced methods, such as the Sherbrooke block sampler, are superior but expensive. Coring frozen ground provides high-quality undisturbed samples from ground conditions, such as fill, sand, moraine, and rock fracture zones.[10]

Geotechnical centrifuge modeling is another method of testing physical-scale models of geotechnical problems. The use of a centrifuge enhances the similarity of the scale model tests involving soil because soil's strength and stiffness are susceptible to the confining pressure. The centrifugal acceleration allows a researcher to obtain large (prototype-scale) stresses in small physical models.

Foundation design

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The foundation of a structure's infrastructure transmits loads from the structure to the earth. Geotechnical engineers design foundations based on the load characteristics of the structure and the properties of the soils and bedrock at the site. Generally, geotechnical engineers first estimate the magnitude and location of loads to be supported before developing an investigation plan to explore the subsurface and determine the necessary soil parameters through field and lab testing. Following this, they may begin the design of an engineering foundation. The primary considerations for a geotechnical engineer in foundation design are bearing capacity, settlement, and ground movement beneath the foundations.[11]

Earthworks

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A compactor/roller operated by U.S. Navy Seabees

Geotechnical engineers are also involved in the planning and execution of earthworks, which include ground improvement,[11] slope stabilization, and slope stability analysis.

Ground improvement

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Various geotechnical engineering methods can be used for ground improvement, including reinforcement geosynthetics such as geocells and geogrids, which disperse loads over a larger area, increasing the soil's load-bearing capacity. Through these methods, geotechnical engineers can reduce direct and long-term costs.[12]

Slope stabilization

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Simple slope slip section.

Geotechnical engineers can analyze and improve slope stability using engineering methods. Slope stability is determined by the balance of shear stress and shear strength. A previously stable slope may be initially affected by various factors, making it unstable. Nonetheless, geotechnical engineers can design and implement engineered slopes to increase stability.

Slope stability analysis
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Stability analysis is needed to design engineered slopes and estimate the risk of slope failure in natural or designed slopes by determining the conditions under which the topmost mass of soil will slip relative to the base of soil and lead to slope failure.[13] If the interface between the mass and the base of a slope has a complex geometry, slope stability analysis is difficult and numerical solution methods are required. Typically, the interface's exact geometry is unknown, and a simplified interface geometry is assumed. Finite slopes require three-dimensional models to be analyzed, so most slopes are analyzed assuming that they are infinitely wide and can be represented by two-dimensional models.

Sub-disciplines

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Geosynthetics

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A collage of geosynthetic products.

Geosynthetics are a type of plastic polymer products used in geotechnical engineering that improve engineering performance while reducing costs. This includes geotextiles, geogrids, geomembranes, geocells, and geocomposites. The synthetic nature of the products make them suitable for use in the ground where high levels of durability are required. Their main functions include drainage, filtration, reinforcement, separation, and containment.

Geosynthetics are available in a wide range of forms and materials, each to suit a slightly different end-use, although they are frequently used together. Some reinforcement geosynthetics, such as geogrids and more recently, cellular confinement systems, have shown to improve bearing capacity, modulus factors and soil stiffness and strength.[14] These products have a wide range of applications and are currently used in many civil and geotechnical engineering applications including roads, airfields, railroads, embankments, piled embankments, retaining structures, reservoirs, canals, dams, landfills, bank protection and coastal engineering.[15]

Offshore

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Platforms offshore Mexico.

Offshore (or marine) geotechnical engineering is concerned with foundation design for human-made structures in the sea, away from the coastline (in opposition to onshore or nearshore engineering). Oil platforms, artificial islands and submarine pipelines are examples of such structures.[16]

There are a number of significant differences between onshore and offshore geotechnical engineering.[16][17] Notably, site investigation and ground improvement on the seabed are more expensive; the offshore structures are exposed to a wider range of geohazards; and the environmental and financial consequences are higher in case of failure. Offshore structures are exposed to various environmental loads, notably wind, waves and currents. These phenomena may affect the integrity or the serviceability of the structure and its foundation during its operational lifespan and need to be taken into account in offshore design.

In subsea geotechnical engineering, seabed materials are considered a two-phase material composed of rock or mineral particles and water.[18][19] Structures may be fixed in place in the seabed—as is the case for piers, jetties and fixed-bottom wind turbines—or may comprise a floating structure that remains roughly fixed relative to its geotechnical anchor point. Undersea mooring of human-engineered floating structures include a large number of offshore oil and gas platforms and, since 2008, a few floating wind turbines. Two common types of engineered design for anchoring floating structures include tension-leg and catenary loose mooring systems.[20]

Observational method

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First proposed by Karl Terzaghi and later discussed in a paper by Ralph B. Peck, the observational method is a managed process of construction control, monitoring, and review, which enables modifications to be incorporated during and after construction. The method aims to achieve a greater overall economy without compromising safety by creating designs based on the most probable conditions rather than the most unfavorable.[21] Using the observational method, gaps in available information are filled by measurements and investigation, which aid in assessing the behavior of the structure during construction, which in turn can be modified per the findings. The method was described by Peck as "learn-as-you-go".[22]

The observational method may be described as follows:[22]

  1. General exploration sufficient to establish the rough nature, pattern, and properties of deposits.
  2. Assessment of the most probable conditions and the most unfavorable conceivable deviations.
  3. Creating the design based on a working hypothesis of behavior anticipated under the most probable conditions.
  4. Selection of quantities to be observed as construction proceeds and calculating their anticipated values based on the working hypothesis under the most unfavorable conditions.
  5. Selection, in advance, of a course of action or design modification for every foreseeable significant deviation of the observational findings from those predicted.
  6. Measurement of quantities and evaluation of actual conditions.
  7. Design modification per actual conditions

The observational method is suitable for construction that has already begun when an unexpected development occurs or when a failure or accident looms or has already happened. It is unsuitable for projects whose design cannot be altered during construction.[22]

See also

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  • Civil engineering
  • Deep Foundations Institute
  • Earthquake engineering
  • Earth structure
  • Effective stress
  • Engineering geology
  • Geological Engineering
  • Geoprofessions
  • Hydrogeology
  • International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
  • Karl von Terzaghi
  • Land reclamation
  • Landfill
  • Mechanically stabilized earth
  • Offshore geotechnical engineering
  • Rock mass classifications
  • Sediment control
  • Seismology
  • Soil mechanics
  • Soil physics
  • Soil science

 

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d Das, Braja (2006). Principles of Geotechnical Engineering. Thomson Learning.
  2. ^ a b Budhu, Muni (2007). Soil Mechanics and Foundations. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 978-0-471-43117-6.
  3. ^ a b Disturbed soil properties and geotechnical design, Schofield, Andrew N., Thomas Telford, 2006. ISBN 0-7277-2982-9
  4. ^ Guerriero V., Mazzoli S. (2021). "Theory of Effective Stress in Soil and Rock and Implications for Fracturing Processes: A Review". Geosciences. 11 (3): 119. Bibcode:2021Geosc..11..119G. doi:10.3390/geosciences11030119.
  5. ^ Soil Mechanics, Lambe, T.William and Whitman, Robert V., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, John Wiley & Sons., 1969. ISBN 0-471-51192-7
  6. ^ Soil Behavior and Critical State Soil Mechanics, Wood, David Muir, Cambridge University Press, 1990. ISBN 0-521-33782-8
  7. ^ Terzaghi, K., Peck, R.B. and Mesri, G. (1996), Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice 3rd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 0-471-08658-4
  8. ^ Holtz, R. and Kovacs, W. (1981), An Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering, Prentice-Hall, Inc. ISBN 0-13-484394-0
  9. ^ Deep Scan Tech (2023): Deep Scan Tech uncovers hidden structures at the site of Denmark's tallest building.
  10. ^ "Geofrost Coring". GEOFROST. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  11. ^ a b Han, Jie (2015). Principles and Practice of Ground Improvement. Wiley. ISBN 9781118421307.
  12. ^ RAJU, V. R. (2010). Ground Improvement Technologies and Case Histories. Singapore: Research Publishing Services. p. 809. ISBN 978-981-08-3124-0. Ground Improvement – Principles And Applications In Asia.
  13. ^ Pariseau, William G. (2011). Design analysis in rock mechanics. CRC Press.
  14. ^ Hegde, A.M. and Palsule P.S. (2020), Performance of Geosynthetics Reinforced Subgrade Subjected to Repeated Vehicle Loads: Experimental and Numerical Studies. Front. Built Environ. 6:15. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2020.00015/full.
  15. ^ Koerner, Robert M. (2012). Designing with Geosynthetics (6th Edition, Vol. 1 ed.). Xlibris. ISBN 9781462882892.
  16. ^ a b Dean, E.T.R. (2010). Offshore Geotechnical Engineering – Principles and Practice. Thomas Telford, Reston, VA, 520 p.
  17. ^ Randolph, M. and Gourvenec, S., 2011. Offshore geotechnical engineering. Spon Press, N.Y., 550 p.
  18. ^ Das, B.M., 2010. Principles of geotechnical engineering. Cengage Learning, Stamford, 666 p.
  19. ^ Atkinson, J., 2007. The mechanics of soils and foundations. Taylor & Francis, N.Y., 442 p.
  20. ^ Floating Offshore Wind Turbines: Responses in a Sea state – Pareto Optimal Designs and Economic Assessment, P. Sclavounos et al., October 2007.
  21. ^ Nicholson, D, Tse, C and Penny, C. (1999). The Observational Method in ground engineering – principles and applications. Report 185, CIRIA, London.
  22. ^ a b c Peck, R.B (1969). Advantages and limitations of the observational method in applied soil mechanics, Geotechnique, 19, No. 1, pp. 171-187.

References

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  • Bates and Jackson, 1980, Glossary of Geology: American Geological Institute.
  • Krynine and Judd, 1957, Principles of Engineering Geology and Geotechnics: McGraw-Hill, New York.
  • Ventura, Pierfranco, 2019, Fondazioni, Volume 1, Modellazioni statiche e sismiche, Hoepli, Milano
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  • Worldwide Geotechnical Literature Database

 

Foundation(s) or The Foundation(s) may refer to:

Common uses

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  • Foundation (cosmetics), a skin-coloured makeup cream applied to the face
  • Foundation (engineering), the element of a structure which connects it to the ground, and transfers loads from the structure to the ground
  • Foundation (evidence), a legal term
  • Foundation (nonprofit), a type of charitable organization
    • Foundation (United States law), a type of charitable organization in the U.S.
    • Private foundation, a charitable organization that might not qualify as a public charity by government standards

Arts, entertainment, and media

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Film and TV

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  • The Foundation, a film about 1960s-1970s Aboriginal history in Sydney, featuring Gary Foley
  • The Foundation (1984 TV series), a Hong Kong series
  • The Foundation (Canadian TV series), a 2009–2010 Canadian sitcom
  • "The Foundation" (Seinfeld), an episode
  • Foundation (TV series), an Apple TV+ series adapted from Isaac Asimov's novels

Games

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  • Foundation (video game), a city-building game (2025)
  • Foundation, an Amiga video game
  • The Foundation, a character in 2017 game Fortnite Battle Royale

Literature

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  • Foundation (book series), a series of science fiction books by Isaac Asimov
    • Foundation (Asimov novel), the first book in Asimov's series, published in 1951
  • Foundation (b-boy book), by Joseph G. Schloss
  • Foundation (Lackey novel), a 2008 fantasy novel by Mercedes Lackey

Music

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  • The Foundations, a British soul group
  • Foundations (EP), by Serj Tankian

Albums

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  • Foundation (Brand Nubian album)
  • Foundation (Breakage album)
  • Foundation (Doc Watson album)
  • Foundation (Magnum album)
  • Foundation (M.O.P. album)
  • Foundation, a 1997 compilation album by Die Krupps
  • The Foundation (Geto Boys album)
  • The Foundation (Pep Love album), 2005
  • The Foundation (Zac Brown Band album)
  • The Foundations (album), by 4 Corners

Songs

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  • "Foundation", a 1983 song by Spandau Ballet from the album True
  • "Foundation", a 1998 song by Brand Nubian from the eponymous album Foundation
  • "Foundation", a 2009 song by M.O.P. from the eponymous album Foundation
  • "Foundation", a 2010 song by Breakage from the eponymous album Foundation
  • "Foundation", a 2015 song by Years & Years from Communion
  • "Foundations" (song), by Kate Nash
  • "The Foundation" (song), by Xzibit

Other uses in arts, entertainment, and media

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  • Foundation – The International Review of Science Fiction, a literary journal
  • The Foundation Trilogy (BBC Radio), a radio adaption of Asimov's series
  • The SCP Foundation, a fictional organization that is often referred to in-universe as "The Foundation"

Education

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  • Foundation degree, a British academic qualification
  • Foundation school, a type of school in England and Wales
  • Foundation Stage, a stage of education for children aged 3 to 5 in England
  • University Foundation Programme, a British university entrance course

Science and technology

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  • Foundation (framework), a free collection of tools for creating websites and web applications by ZURB
  • Foundation Fieldbus, a communications system
  • Foundation Kit, an Apple API

Companies

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  • Foundation Medicine, a genomic profiling company

See also

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  • All pages with titles beginning with Foundation
  • All pages with titles beginning with The Foundation
  • Foundations of mathematics, theory of mathematics
Merchandise on display in a hardware store
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The concept of home improvement, home renovation or remodeling is the process of renovating, making improvements or making additions to one's home.[1] Home improvement can consist of projects that upgrade an existing home interior (such as electrical and plumbing), exterior (masonry, concrete, siding, roofing) or other improvements to the property (i.e. garden work or garage maintenance/additions). Home improvement projects can be carried out for a number of different reasons; personal preference and comfort, maintenance or repair work, making a home bigger by adding rooms/spaces, as a means of saving energy, or to improve safety.[2]

Types of home improvement

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Man painting a fence

While "home improvement" often refers to building projects that alter the structure of an existing home, it can also include improvements to lawns, gardens, and outdoor structures, such as gazebos and garages. It also encompasses maintenance, repair, and general servicing tasks. Home improvement projects generally have one or more of the following goals:[citation needed]

Comfort

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  • Upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
  • Upgrading rooms with luxuries, such as adding gourmet features to a kitchen or a hot tub spa to a bathroom.
  • Increasing the capacity of plumbing and electrical systems.
  • Waterproofing basements.
  • Soundproofing rooms, especially bedrooms and baths.

Maintenance and repair

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Maintenance projects can include:

  • Roof tear-off and replacement.
  • Replacement or new construction windows.
  • Concrete and masonry repairs to the foundation and chimney.
  • Repainting rooms, walls or fences
  • Repairing plumbing and electrical systems
  • Wallpapering
  • Furniture polishing
  • Plumbing, home interior and exterior works
  • Shower maintenance

Additional space

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Additional living space may be added by:

  • Turning marginal areas into livable spaces such as turning basements into recrooms, home theaters, or home offices – or attics into spare bedrooms.
  • Extending one's house with rooms added to the side of one's home or, sometimes, extra levels to the original roof. Such a new unit of construction is called an "add-on".[3]

Saving energy

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Homeowners may reduce utility costs with:

  • Energy-efficient thermal insulation, replacement windows, and lighting.
  • Renewable energy with biomass pellet stoves, wood-burning stoves, solar panels, wind turbines, programmable thermostats,[4] and geothermal exchange heat pumps (see autonomous building).

Safety, emergency management, security and privacy

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The need to be safer or for better privacy or emergency management can be fulfilled with diversified measures which can be improved, maintained or added. Secret compartments and passages can also be conceived for privacy and security.

  • Interventions for fire protection and avoidance. Possible examples are fire sprinkler systems for automatic fire suppression, smoke detectors for fire detection, fire alarm systems, or passive fire protection (including some wildfire management strategies).
  • Technical solutions to increase protection from natural disasters, or geotechnical and structural safety (e.g. hurricane or seismic retrofit).
  • Interventions and additions to increase home safety from other hazards, like falls, electric injuries, gas leaks or home exposure to environmental health concerns.
  • Physical security measures:
    • Access control systems and physical barriers, which can include fences, physical door and window security measures (e.g. grilles, laminated glass, window shutters), locks;
    • Security lighting, security alarms and video surveillance.
  • Safes and vaults.
  • Spaces for emergency evacuation, like emergency exits and rarer escape tunnels.
  • Spaces which provide protection in the event of different emergencies: areas of refuge, storm cellars (as protection from tornadoes and other kinds of severe weather), panic rooms, bunkers and bomb shelters (including fallout shelters), etc.
  • Home renovations or additions used to increase privacy can be as simple as curtains or much more advanced, such as some structural surveillance counter-measures. They may overlap with physical security measures.
  • Public utility outage preparedness, like backup generators for providing power during power outages .

Home improvement industry

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Screws and bolts in an OBI home improvement store in Poland

Home or residential renovation is an almost $300 billion industry in the United States,[5] and a $48 billion industry in Canada.[6][full citation needed] The average cost per project is $3,000 in the United States and $11,000–15,000 in Canada.

Professional home improvement is ancient and goes back to the beginning of recorded civilization. One example is Sergius Orata, who in the 1st century B.C. is said by the writer Vitruvius (in his famous book De architectura) to have invented the hypocaust. The hypocaust is an underfloor heating system that was used throughout the Roman Empire in villas of the wealthy. He is said to have become wealthy himself by buying villas at a low price, adding spas and his newly invented hypocaust, and reselling them at higher prices.[7]

Renovation contractors

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Perhaps the most important or visible professionals in the renovation industry are renovation contractors or skilled trades. These are the builders that have specialized credentials, licensing and experience to perform renovation services in specific municipalities.

While there is a fairly large "grey market" of unlicensed companies, there are those that have membership in a reputable association and/or are accredited by a professional organization. Homeowners are recommended to perform checks such as verifying license and insurance and checking business references prior to hiring a contractor to work on their house.

Because interior renovation will touch the change of the internal structure of the house, ceiling construction, circuit configuration and partition walls, etc., such work related to the structure of the house, of course, also includes renovation of wallpaper posting, furniture settings, lighting, etc.

Aggregators

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Aggregators are companies that bundle home improvement service offers and act as intermediary agency between service providers and customers.

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Home improvement was popularized on television in 1979 with the premiere of This Old House starring Bob Vila on PBS. American cable channel HGTV features many do-it-yourself shows, as does sister channel DIY Network.[8] Danny Lipford hosts and produces the nationally syndicated Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford. Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete co-host the nationally syndicated The Money Pit Home Improvement Radio Show.

Movies that poked fun at the difficulties involved include: Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948), starring Cary Grant and Myrna Loy; George Washington Slept Here (1942), featuring Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan; and The Money Pit (1986), with Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. The sitcom Home Improvement used the home improvement theme for comedic purposes.

See also

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  • Home repair
  • Housekeeping
  • Maintenance, repair and operations

References

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  1. ^ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/home-improvement
  2. ^ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/home-improvements
  3. ^ "Add-on". English Oxford Living Dictionary (US). Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on February 21, 2017. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  4. ^ Use a Programmable Thermostat, Common Sense, to Reduce Energy Bills Archived July 19, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Brett Freeman, oldhouseweb.com
  5. ^ "Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, 2007" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on August 7, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
  6. ^ "Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - Société canadienne d'hypothèques et de logement". Archived from the original on October 23, 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2007.
  7. ^ "Canada Homeowners Community - Example of Low-Cost Advices used by Canadian Homeowners (Community) for Home Improvement that boost the sale of your Home". Canada Homeowners Community. January 12, 2020.
  8. ^ Cerone, Daniel (September 17, 1991). "Tim Allen's Power Tools : Television: The comic who had Disney and cable executives abuzz parlayed his luck to develop 'Home Improvement". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 22, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2015.

Further reading

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  • Richard Harris, Building a Market: The Rise of the Home Improvement Industry, 1914-1960. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2012.
  • Michael W. Litchfield (2012). Chip Harley (ed.). Renovation (4th, Completely revised and updated. ed.). Newtown, Conn.: Taunton Press, Incorporated. ISBN 978-1600854927.
[edit]
  • Media related to Home improvement at Wikimedia Commons

 

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Jeffery James

(5)

Very happy with my experience. They were prompt and followed through, and very helpful in fixing the crack in my foundation.

Sarah McNeily

(5)

USS was excellent. They are honest, straightforward, trustworthy, and conscientious. They thoughtfully removed the flowers and flower bulbs to dig where they needed in the yard, replanted said flowers and spread the extra dirt to fill in an area of the yard. We've had other services from different companies and our yard was really a mess after. They kept the job site meticulously clean. The crew was on time and friendly. I'd recommend them any day! Thanks to Jessie and crew.

Jim de Leon

(5)

It was a pleasure to work with Rick and his crew. From the beginning, Rick listened to my concerns and what I wished to accomplish. Out of the 6 contractors that quoted the project, Rick seemed the MOST willing to accommodate my wishes. His pricing was definitely more than fair as well. I had 10 push piers installed to stabilize and lift an addition of my house. The project commenced at the date that Rick had disclosed initially and it was completed within the same time period expected (based on Rick's original assessment). The crew was well informed, courteous, and hard working. They were not loud (even while equipment was being utilized) and were well spoken. My neighbors were very impressed on how polite they were when they entered / exited my property (saying hello or good morning each day when they crossed paths). You can tell they care about the customer concerns. They ensured that the property would be put back as clean as possible by placing MANY sheets of plywood down prior to excavating. They compacted the dirt back in the holes extremely well to avoid large stock piles of soils. All the while, the main office was calling me to discuss updates and expectations of completion. They provided waivers of lien, certificates of insurance, properly acquired permits, and JULIE locates. From a construction background, I can tell you that I did not see any flaws in the way they operated and this an extremely professional company. The pictures attached show the push piers added to the foundation (pictures 1, 2 & 3), the amount of excavation (picture 4), and the restoration after dirt was placed back in the pits and compacted (pictures 5, 6 & 7). Please notice that they also sealed two large cracks and steel plated these cracks from expanding further (which you can see under my sliding glass door). I, as well as my wife, are extremely happy that we chose United Structural Systems for our contractor. I would happily tell any of my friends and family to use this contractor should the opportunity arise!

Chris Abplanalp

(5)

USS did an amazing job on my underpinning on my house, they were also very courteous to the proximity of my property line next to my neighbor. They kept things in order with all the dirt/mud they had to excavate. They were done exactly in the timeframe they indicated, and the contract was very details oriented with drawings of what would be done. Only thing that would have been nice, is they left my concrete a little muddy with boot prints but again, all-in-all a great job

Dave Kari

(5)

What a fantastic experience! Owner Rick Thomas is a trustworthy professional. Nick and the crew are hard working, knowledgeable and experienced. I interviewed every company in the area, big and small. A homeowner never wants to hear that they have foundation issues. Out of every company, I trusted USS the most, and it paid off in the end. Highly recommend.

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