Foundation
A foundation is the lowest load-bearing part of a building or structure. Its primary function is to distribute the structure’s weight evenly into the earth, ensuring stability against gravity, wind, and seismic activity. [1, 2, 3, 4] Shallow foundations: Used for most residential buildings, sitting just below the surface (e.g., pad or strip footings). Deep foundations: Used for unstable soil or heavy structures, reaching deep into the ground (e.g., pile or caisson foundations). [1]