[Index] [Previous] [Next] [Group] (Page reference: 1006)

214 Root Foundations

May be part of Columns at the Corners (212), Site Repair (104), Connection to the Earth (168).

Conflict

The best foundations of all are the kinds of foundations which a tree has- where the entire structure of the tree simply continues below the ground level, and creates a system entirely integral with the ground, in tension and compression.

Resolution

Try to find a way of making foundations in which the columns themselves go right into the earth, and spread out there- so that the footing is continuous with the material of the column, and the column, with its footing, like a tree root, can resist tension and horizontal shear as well as compression.

May contain Box Columns (216), Ground Floor Slab (215).