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Foundation
STRUCTURE & PHYSICSbeginner
Definition
The lowest part of a building structure, which transfers all loads from the building into the ground. Foundations must be designed to suit the soil conditions — hard rock requires little depth; soft clay may require deep piles. Inadequate foundations cause settlement and structural failure.
Example
The Leaning Tower of Pisa (begun 1173) leans because its shallow foundation was built on soft, unstable subsoil — a cautionary example still studied today.