Wide strip foundations

1. Strip foundation on subsoild with poor bearing capacity , such as soft sandy clay , may need to be considerably wider than traditional strip foundation
2. However , to keep increasing the width and depth of the concrete ensuring that the foundation does not shear makes the process unconomical ,
3. THe alternative is to dorm a strip of steel-reinforced concrete.
4. Concrete is strong in compression , but is weak in tension
5. THe effect of the downward pressure of the wall on the middle of the foundation and the opposing force of the ground spreas across the base of the foundation attempts to bend the foundation upwardsl this places the top of the foundation in compression and the base of the foundation in tension .
6. TO add tensile properties to the foundation , steel reinforcing bars are cast in the lower edges where tenson will occurs.
7. THere has to be a sufficient cover of concrete below the steel reinforcing rods to ensure a good bond between the concrete and steel and to protect the steel from corrosion