10. Site conditions and construction provisions

Shallow foundations are generally the simplest type of foundation to build, as they are close to the surface, making it possible to check the interaction between the structure and the ground, as well as the quality of the materials used.

However, the fact that they are made in the shallow parts of the soil is also a handicap:

• freeze/thaw problems ;

• Shrink/swell due to variation in water content ;

• poor materials;

• presence of uncontrolled embankments, etc.

Of course, before thinking about deep foundations, it is possible to consider improving the characteristics of the soil or reinforcing it. Numerous techniques are available, depending on the problems to be addressed, and we refer...