Any structure, whether a house, a garage, or workshop, is only as secure as the foundation on which it rests! In designing a structure it is commonly assumed that the foundation will not move. Correspondingly, if cracks appear in the structure it is assumed that the foundation did move and that this is the sole cause of cracking. So in analyzing and designing the foundation, theories equations and graphs from text books as well as the engineering judgment should be taken in consideration. The judgment that needs to apply theories of equations and graphs properly and the evaluation of the designing the structure should not be over the emphasized given by any text book. The experience field must be a supplement of the work especially with soil studies.
In this project the building has been chosen in the central part of Nablus, Sufian street, and consists of 12 stories.
The main objectives of this project consist of the following:
1- Study the geotechnical conditions of the site through the soil investigation report prepared for the building under consideration.
2- Make detailed calculations of loads coming down from the superstructure.
3- Design two types of foundations which are deep piles and shallow mat foundations.
Before started the design, the soil report for the site and the plans of the building was brought and the visit for the site and the building was made.