HOW TO CALCULATE DEPTH OF FOUNDATION Deciding the right depth of foundation for a building structure is an important step in the process of building design. Information given in this post will help you decide the proper depth of foundation for a building. After reading this post you will be able to answer the following questions. § What is a foundation? § What are the factors affecting depth of foundation? § How to calculate depth of foundation? WHAT IS FOUNDATION? Foundation is that part of the structure which receives load of the superstructure and then transmits that load to soil underneath in such a manner so that the soil never fails in shear or never goes through excessive settlement of differential settlement. FACTORS AFFECTING DEPTH OF FOUNDATION Before calculating depth of shallow foundation, the following factors have to be considered well in advance. 1. Foundation should be placed at such a depth so that it is safe ...