Foundations are subjected to three types of loading, viz., dead load, live load and wind load. Dead load is the self-weight of the various components of a building which include the proposed future expansion. Live load is not a constant load but a varying load, viz., weight of persons using the building, weight of material stored temporarily on the floor, weight of snow, etc. Wind load will be significant in tall buildings wherein the sides and roofs are exposed to wind pressure. Because of this the pressure on the wind-ward side is reduced and in lee-ward side is increased.
Foundation distributes the above loads to a large area (in shallow foundation) or through end-bearing and skin friction (in deep foundation) so that the intensity of stress and the settlement are within limits. It also provides a level surface for the super-structure to be raised.
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