Abstract
Abstract The foundation is perhaps a building's most challenging envelope component from energy transport and hygrothermal perspectives. As such, the foundation literally provides the energy and materials basis on which the sustainability of the entire structure depends from a number of perspectives. The foundation can account for as much as 40% of the building envelope conduction loss and, more importantly, in unoccupied conditions, almost all of the latent load (or energy required for dehumidification). From a materials perspective, the foundation has to provide a durable interface between the surrounding ground and the building interior in the presence of bulk water, soil gasses (such as radon, water vapor, and even, on occasion, hydrogen sulphide), frost, biotic activity, and pest infestation while simultaneously being the building's structural basis. From an energy perspective, the foundation must insulate the interior from the surrounding soil and ambient environment, and provide an interior surface...
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