Structures are constructed to be able to withstand imposed loads. A structure may withstand different load types during its live span. Some load types which a civil engineering structure withstands include dead and live loads, dynamic and static loads, point loads, uniformly distributed loads, etc.

Usually, a structure will have to withstand or resist some form of loads even if it is not being occupied.

Apart from their self weights, structures withstand forces from their natural environments, and the aim of civil engineering is to design and provide members that will sufficiently withstand such forces throughout the lifespan of the structure.

In this post, I will share with you the path of load transfer from the roof of a building to the foundation thereof.

The path of load transfer starts from the roof of a building to the slabs, to the beams, to the columns, to the foundation and finally, to the soil.

Roof ⮚ Slab ⮚ Beam ⮚ Column ⮚ Foundation ⮚ Subsoil 

This is why it is necessary to always follow proper design principles and code of practice. Provision of inadequate members at any stage of the load transfer path of the structure could diminish the load bearing capacity of the structure, hence, could be highly catastrophical to the safety, existence and lifespan of the structure. Building collapse could occur if proper design standards and principles are not adhered to in order to effectively transfer the load of the structure to the foundation. 

Where unstable foundation is found, the foundation should be stabilized or suitable foundation type should be used.