NorCal Foundation Support Q&A

Anchor Bolt

Anchor bolts are used to connect structural and non-structural elements to the concrete foundation.


Anchor bolts

Angle Iron

A construction material consisting of pieces of steel with an L-shaped cross-section. These can be bolted together and are commonly used to connect beams with other structural elements.


Angle Iron


This is a dense and solid layer of soil located below the looser soil closer to the surface. Because this soil is denser it has superior structural qualities.

Bedrock can consist of igneous rock (granite), metamorphic rock (marble), or sedimentary rock (sandstone,). It can also consist of siltstone or claystone. If you look at geologic maps then the type of bedrock is generally marked on the map.

Cripple Wall

A cripple wall is a short wall. In the foundation industry, it usually references the wood framing which extends from the foundation and supports the first-story framing. Sometimes it's also called a pony wall.

Oftentimes foundation problems might stem from this wall being improperly reinforced and thus vulnerable.

Differential Settlement

Every structure is built on ground that contains several different types of soils. Sometimes a portion of the structure will thus settle more quickly or deeply, than other sections. This leads to sloping floors and is referred to as differential settlement.

If the differential settlement is minor then the damage may only be cosmetic. However, large differential settlement can cause more serious damage by applying stress that the building is not equipped to withstand.

Expansive Soils

Certain soils expand when exposed to water and shrink when this water drains. These are known as expansive soils. Often they also contain high-plasticity clay and thus exert great pressure on the foundation as they expand. These soils can also cause damage when they shrink. After repeated shrink-swell cycles you will likely see large cracks.

Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineering is one of many branches of civil engineering. This particular type of engineering deals with soil, rock, foundations, and other earthwork-related projects. Geotechnical engineers are often involved in taking and analyzing soil samples to help provide design criteria for construction projects. 


Girders are the beams that support the joists, which in turn support the floor. Most girders are parallel in order to support multiple joists and are supported themselves by isolated footings.


A gradebeam is a horizontal beam which supports the structure and spans between the isolated supports (like deep piles or shallow isolated footings). They are generally made from reinforced concrete and are located near the ground level (or grade).


Joists are beams that support the floor and are generally laid across on one or more large girders. Usually, these are made of wood but sometimes they are made of steel or another material.

Pier and Gradebeam Foundation

This is a type of foundation system that consists of concrete beams located at grade (ground level) and usually they are supported by deep piers made of concrete or steel.

Seismic Load

Seismic Load refers to the impact that an earthquake would have on a structure. Generally, they have a large lateral or horizontal component. In order to improve these loads you can add shear walls, tiedowns, or other methods of improving earthquake resistance.


In the case of poor soils or high interior loads (garages for example) slab-on-grade may be installed. This is a reinforced concrete slab that lays at the level of grade (soil), hence the name. Sometimes this can also be referred to as mat foundation.

Structural Engineering

Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering which is focused on the design of structures. Since structural engineering is critical for a successful building project, many civil engineers engage in structural engineering. When designing bridges, residences, and large buildings that can withstand the tests of time, structural analysis is critical.


A tieback is installed diagonally or horizontally and is a structural member like a rock anchor, grouted anchor, or helical anchor. Usually these tiebacks are used to support tensile loads (not push loads).

Helical Tieback


An underpinning refers to the installation of a supplemental or replacement foundation. This foundation is installed deeper than the existing foundation and may also involve lifting the foundation in order to level floors.


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Martinez, CA 94553
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