Many people don't realize that a typical foundation wall is, among other things, a beam. You start to see this if you look at the vertical fabric on a steel beam or even a simple wooden floor joist.
Notice how the tall poured walls look like the central web of an I-beam. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter
Understanding this is essential. Steel I-beams derive much of their strength from the thickness and height of the vertical web section of the I-beam. It is important to realize that steel I-beams get a great deal of strength from the top and bottom flanges. The top flange is the flat part that ironworkers walk on while erecting the steel.
Can Taller Beams Extend Farther?
Generally speaking, the higher the vertical band, the farther philippines email list the beam can span between the supports. You can see this clearly if you pay attention to the bridges that cross many of the interstate highways you might travel here in the United States.
Some of the bridges span 100 or more feet between the poured concrete supports at each end of the bridge. Steel I-beams are often 3, 4, or 5 feet tall, while the typical I-beam in the basement of a home may only be 8 inches tall.
A foundation wall is no different in that its vertical height is ten to fifteen times greater than a typical residential beam.
How important is Soil Strength?
Soil strength is the most important thing of all. Strong soil will not allow the new foundation to fall below the existing foundation it is connecting to.
