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.
The Vacations in a Listed Building Foundation
The Vacations in a Listed Building Foundation (, ) established in 2005 by the Swiss Heritage Society (SHS) buys up abandoned buildings, restores them cautiously and afterwards rents them out as holiday homes. "Vacationing in a Listed Building" is a nonprofit organization and disposes the ZEWO-Seal of quality. The foundation is legally independent from the SHS and acts thus operational since 2008, however, "Vacationing in a Listed Building" is strongly committed to its values and is supported in the administrative tasks by SHS. The five- to seven-member Board of Trustees is composed of representatives of relevant areas (homeland security, tourism, fundraising, architecture, etc.). In addition, the Foundation is advised by an advisory board.