Foundation (engineering)
Foundations are designed to have an adequate load capacity depending on the type of subsoil/rock supporting the foundation by a geotechnical engineer, and the footing itself may be designed structurally by a structural engineer. The primary design concerns are settlement and bearing capacity. When considering settlement, total settlement and differential settlement is normally considered. Differential settlement is when one part of a foundation settles more than another part. This can cause problems to the structure which the foundation is supporting. Expansive clay soils can also cause problems.
Bowen v Paramount Builders (Hamilton) Ltd
The MacKay's then arranged Paramount to build a house on top of this foundation. During construction though, the local building inspector recognized that a sand base would not be strong enough and ordered Paramount to cease construction.