VII. Read the text and check your answers to the questions given in exercise IV

Foundation types

The primary aim of a foundation is to spread the loads from the building over an area of soil to avoid undue settlement. The building must be constructed so that the combined dead, imposed and wind loads are sustained and transmitted to the ground safely and without causing deflection or deformation.

There is a number of different foundation types available for use with domestic, industrial and commercial buildings. Their selection depends on the type of building and the nature of loadings, and the site conditions.

The majority of buildings up to four storeys in height have strip foundations. In this type of foundation a continuous strip of concrete provides a continuous ground bearing under the load bearing walls. This type of foundation is placed centrally under the walls and is composed of plain concrete.

Where the load-bearing capacity of the ground is low, for example, with marshy ground, soft clay silt and made ground, wide strip foundations may be used to spread the load over a large area of soil.

Piled foundations are often used with multi-storey buildings and in cases where it is necessary to transmit the building load through weak and unstable soil conditions to a lower stratum of sufficient bearing capacity. (1100)

VIII.​ Complete the following sentences according to the content of the text:

1.​ The purpose of a foundation is ………………..

2.​ It is important to transmit ………………

3.​ Deformation or deflection may be caused by ………………..

4.​ The choice of foundation type depends on …………………

5.​ Strip foundations are used for ………………………….

6.​ Plain concrete is used for making ………………..

7.​ If the load-bearing capacity is low, it is recommended……………

8.​ Piled foundations are suitable for ……………………

 

IX. ​ Tell your partner about aims, functions and types of foundations.

 

X. Read the text, make up a plan to it using key words and word combinations, render it in English.

Walls

A wall (from Old English weall) is a vertical structure, usually solid, that defines and protects an area. A wall delineates a building and supports its superstructure, separates space in buildings into sections, or protects or delineates a space in the open air. There are three principal types of structural walls: building walls, exterior boundary walls, and retaining walls.

Building walls have one main purpose: to support roofs and ceilings. Such walls most often have three or more separate components. In today's construction, a building wall will usually have the structural elements (such as 2×4 studs in a house wall), insulation, and finish elements or surface (such as dry wall or panelling). In addition, the wall may house various types of electrical wiring or plumbing. Electrical outlets are usually mounted in walls.

Building walls frequently become works of art externally and internally, such as when featuring mosaic work or when murals are painted on them.

External walls should support upper floors and roofs together with their superimposed loads, resist damp penetration, provide adequate thermal and sound insulation, and offer adequate resistance to fire.

Walls must be of sufficient thickness to keep the stresses. The materials in the wall must be durable and able to withstand soluble salts, atmospheric pollution and other adverse conditions. (1300)

 

XI. Read the text and make up a précis of the text.