AU2012227196B2 - Shock resistant foundation system for a building - Google Patents

Abstract

C:\NRPortb\DCCEXN617494)_ I DOC. MI 9/20 12 A foundation system for a building, including: a footing system; an array of resilient plates supported on the footing system; and an array of precast concrete elements supported on the array of resilient plates; 5 wherein the precast concrete elements and the resilient plates are secured to the footing system, and the precast concrete elements are secured to each other, such that the array of resilient plates is configured to at least partially absorb movement of the ground on which the foundation system is supported. C). ,~C%4 0m (004

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (ORIGINAL) Name of Applicant: MAJKIC Bogdan ELLIOTT Leigh BEATTIE Peter Actual Inventor: MAJKIC Bogdan Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, 1 Nicholson, Melbourne, Victoria 3000. Invention Title: "SHOCK RESISTANT FOUNDATION SYSTEM FOR A BUILDING" Details of Associated Provisional Application: No: 2011903853 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: C:\NRPonbl\DCC\EXT\4616645_ DOC - 19/9/12 C:\NRPorbl\DCC\EXT\4617469_ .DOC-11109/2012 SHOCK RESISTANT FOUNDATION SYSTEM FOR A BUILDING The entire content of the specification of Australian provisional application no. 2011903853 is hereby incorporated by reference. 5 The present invention relates to a shock resistant foundation system for use in construction of buildings, and to various components of such a system. A common problem encountered in the construction industry is in ensuring that buildings 10 are resistant to movement of the ground on which they are built, for example due to earthquakes or other geological events. Embodiments of the present invention seek to address the above problem, or at least to provide a useful alternative. 15 Accordingly, the present invention provides a foundation system for a building, including: a footing system; an array of resilient plates supported on the footing system; and an array of precast concrete elements supported on the array of resilient plates; 20 wherein the precast concrete elements and the resilient plates are secured to the footing system, and the precast concrete elements are secured to each other, such that the array of resilient plates is configured to at least partially absorb movement of the ground on which the foundation system is supported. 25 Preferably, the footing system is a strip footing. Preferably, the precast concrete elements have rebated edges at their top surfaces, such that a series of channels is formed between adjacent precast concrete elements. The foundation may further include a top layer of concrete which fills the series of channels to lock the 30 precast concrete elements together.

C \NRPonblDCCEX4617466I DOC.18/09/2012 -2 Preferably, at least some elements include a lip extending therefrom to support a cladding structure. For example, elements located at the edges and corners of the foundation may include such a lip. 5 In certain embodiments, at least some of the precast concrete elements include an access aperture extending therethrough. The access apertures of adjoining elements may be aligned so as to provide a conduit or network of conduits for a person to crawl underneath the array of elements. The access apertures may also provide ventilation and/or receive plumbing pipes, electrical conduit and the like. 10 Preferably, the precast concrete elements are secured to the strip footing by a bracing system. The bracing system may include a plurality of bracing bolts embedded in the strip footing. The bracing bolts may be secured to fastening points on the precast concrete elements by bracing elements. The bracing elements may be synthetic fibre or steel cables, 15 for example. Preferably, the precast concrete elements include recessed portions to accommodate the bracing system. In certain embodiments, the strip footing includes at least one conduit for ventilation and/or drainage. 20 Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a partial cutaway view of a building including a foundation according to one 25 embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A shows a channel of a strip footing of the foundation; Figure 2B shows a reinforcing mesh for the strip footing; Figure 3 is a perspective view of part of the foundation; Figure 4 is another perspective view of part of the foundation, showing further detail of 30 additional support structures; Figure 5 is a partial view of an alternative foundation; C:\NRPonbl\DCC\EXT\46174661 DOC. 1 /9/2012 -3 Figure 6 shows a precast concrete element used with the foundation of Figures 1 to 4 and the alternative foundation of Figure 5; Figures 7 to 9 show precast concrete elements used with embodiments of the foundation; Figures 10 to 12 show fastening elements used with embodiments of the foundation; 5 Figures 13A and 13B show resilient plates used in embodiments of the foundation; and Figures 14 to 19 show various bracing bolts used with embodiments of the foundation. Embodiments of the system include a combination of precast elements, traditional channel footings, newly designed bracing systems, rubber pads, and steel elements. Preferred 10 embodiments of the invention overcome many limitations of conventional concrete foundations. Some embodiments provide prevention or reduction of earthquake damage, below-foundation ventilation, moisture reduction, and access below the foundation to enable repairs, storage and installation of mains (storm water, sewer, gas, electrical, phone, heating, cooling etc.). Advantageously, in preferred embodiments, the foundation is raised 15 above ground level. Referring initially to Figures 1, 3 and 4 there is shown a shock resistant foundation system 100 for a building, including a strip footing 110 to which are secured an array of resilient plates 120. The resilient plates are preferably rubber pads as will later be described. An 20 array of precast elements 130, 132 sits on top of, and is secured to, the array of resilient plates 120. Optionally, an array of steel plates (not shown) may be sandwiched between the precast elements 130, 132 and resilient plates 120. The precast elements 130, 132 are each secured to anchor points within channels of the 25 strip footing 110 by means of anchors 170, and to each other by means of fasteners in a manner which will later be described. In preferred embodiments, the foundation system 100 may be constructed generally in accordance with the following. 30 First, the site is cleaned and marked according to a site plan in conventional fashion. Then, C:\4RPonbl\DCC X 4617466_l DOC-I/09/20I12 -4 trenches (channels) 112 (Figure 2A) for the strip footing 110 are dug. Steel mesh 114 and bracing bolts (e.g. bracing bolt 1400, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900) are placed in channels of the footing. The height above ground of the strip footing 110 is selected according to requirements set by the building code for the locale in which the construction takes place. 5 The excess height above ground is boxed up and concrete is poured down. The bracing bolts are checked before the concrete has dried completely to ensure that they are accurately placed in their required positions. The strip footing 110 must be erected all around the proposed dwelling and the centre or 10 internal strip footing is to be placed per the engineer's report (as provided prior to construction). After completion of the strip footing 110, sufficient drying time for the concrete (determined according to standards for concrete foundations) should be allowed. The resilient plates (rubber pads) 120 are placed in position on the strip footing 110. The 15 function of the rubber pads is to absorb movement and allow the completed foundation to be flexible. Precast elements 130, 132 are brought to the site, and with the use of cranes or other lifting equipment, the elements 130, 132 are placed in their required positions on the footing 110. 20 All the bracing bolts are tightened and the precast elements 130, 132 are secured together. After this step, external bracing bolts are placed in position and tightened down to the bracing bolts previously concreted in the strip footing 110. These bolts can alternatively be added after drying of the concrete, for example using chemical set bolts and the like. 25 Next, the assembly of strip footing 110, rubber pads 120 and precast elements 130, 132 is boxed up to sufficient height to pour a further slab which forms a top concrete plate or slab 140. This serves to lock in all the precast elements 130, 132 together and provide a smooth and strong surface for further development of the proposed building. When this is completed following the specification of steel and concrete and cleaning of the site, the 30 foundation is ready and completed. Again drying time is allowed as per concrete specification before continuation with any further work.

C :NRPortbr\DCC\EX1467466 .1 DOC-M19W/2012 -5 When the foundation is ready and dry, framework 160 can be placed on top of the foundation or the top layer of concrete (concrete plate). The foundation is preferably designed to withstand loads at any point of the foundation so that internal walls can be 5 placed anywhere along the foundation regardless of shear load. This provides a great structural advantage, and makes it much simpler for construction workers to apply framework. Cladding (such as weatherboards) or brick cladding 150 is started from the lower end of 10 the precast elements 130, 132, which when placed together create a starting point for heavy load cladding as per Figure 1. There are two types of precast elements as will be described in further detail below. One type of precast element, as depicted in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 7 to 9, is suitable for heavy cladding such as bricks, and the other type, as depicted in Figures 5 and 6, is suitable for lightweight cladding. 15 In preferred embodiments, precast elements for heavy load cladding (brick, stone etc.) have an exposed edge or lip 710, 810 or 910 around the lower part of the element, as shown in Figures 7 to 9. This exposed edge or lip is used as a starting point for wall construction, i.e. the wall rests on the lip. On the other hand, this exposed edge or lip is not 20 required for precast elements 600 used with lightweight cladding (Figures 5 and 6) since in these situations the cladding is attached to the frame 160 of the building (weatherboards, stucco, foam panels etc.) After completion of the building, the gap between the ground and the precast elements may 25 be blocked off with a suitable product or material as a result of landscaping and completion of the building. Advantageously, preferred embodiments of the foundation 100 described herein are designed to absorb any movement of the ground on which the foundation 100 is installed. 30 The various components of the system 100 will now be described in more detail.

C\NRPonbl\DCC\EXT4617466 I DOC. I /92012 -6 Strip footing 110 The strip footing 110 is prepared in substantially conventional fashion, by performing the following steps: site clean and scrape; mark the channels to required measurements; dig. 5 The channels 112 (Figure 2A) are dug according to standard measurements, and per engineer's specifications, with the depth and width of the channels 112 depending on the soil report or soil specification. Channels 112 of the preferred embodiments have additional reinforcement. Extra holes are 10 dug underneath the lower surface of the channels to enable installation of pillars or concrete posts 400 (Figure 4), which serve to give extra support for the entire foundation 100. These pillars 400 are optional in relatively unreactive types of soil, but may be highly desirable or even compulsory in highly reactive types of soil or for a foundation to be installed in sloppy ground. The pillars 400 hold and support the strip footing 110 and 15 prevent movement and cracking of the same due to lifting and shear load. Pillars 400 also give extra support when the foundation 100 is twisting or moving sideways and strengthen the connection with the ground itself. Referring to Figure 2A and 2B, the channels 112 and the pillars 400 may also be 20 additionally reinforced with steel rods. In one example, inside each channel 112 a minimum of 9 steel rods 116 is oriented along the channel 112 and placed within channel 112 such that they are equally spread throughout the volume of the channel 112 in a symmetric arrangement. The steel rods 116 25 are joined or welded together in an elongate mesh frame 114. For example, the rods 116 may be connected by means of brackets 118 (preferably having hooks l I8a which loop over the rods 116), which are then welded to the rods. The brackets 118 may be placed along the length of the rods 116 as shown in Figure 2B. 30 If the columns or pillars 400 are reinforced, the steel rods may be positioned around the pillar 400. A minimum of 5 steel rods may be welded or otherwise joined together and C \NRPorbIDCC\EXT\4617466 DOC-IMN9/2012 -7 placed in the hole which has been dug to accommodate the pillar 400, before pouring of the concrete for the strip footing 110. The distance of steel rods from the proposed column external surface should not be less than 75 mm and not more than 150 mm, for a column construction of 450 mm diameter. When smaller columns than this are constructed the 5 distance of steel rods from the external surface of the proposed column should not be less than 50 mm. Reinforcing the columns 400 closer to their surface will give more support than if the reinforcement is more distant. In the reinforcement mechanisms mentioned above, it is clearly important to join the steel 10 rods (steel rods 116 for the strip footing channels 112 or alternative steel rods, not shown, for the columns 400) together. It is also preferred to have hooks on the tops of the steel rods used for the columns 400 so that they are in a permanent lockup position. The reason for that is to establish a strong join between the strip footing 110 and the pillars 400. In this way, the foundation 100 will stay in place for a long and strong performance. By doing all 15 this it may be possible to alleviate many different negative effects that can happen during movement of the earth or natural disasters which may damage the foundation 100 itself and the entire structure above. After the channels 112 have been reinforced and the columns 400 installed and reinforced, 20 concrete can be poured down to complete the footing 110. It is highly desirable to pour concrete of the pillars 400 and channels 112 at the same time, so that they are part of a single integrally formed structure. The final finish of the concrete footing 110 is preferably as level as possible and smooth as well. 25 In some embodiments, ventilation may be added to the strip footing 110 by forming vents or conduits 310 (Figures 3 to 5), for example by using round tubes as moulds. The tubes are cast into the concrete so that when the concrete sets, a void or hole remains in strip footing 110. The holes 310 are preferably placed horizontally across the channel and the distance between them is preferably approx. 1-1.5 m. Preferably, the holes 310 have a 30 minimum diameter of 150 mm and they are placed all around the foundation 110. By forming holes 310 in the foundation, it is possible to form channels to carry moisture from C:NRPotb\DCCEXn4617466_I DOC-II/09/2012 -8 beneath the foundation (due to rain or flooding, for example) to the ground beyond the foundation, where it may slowly be absorbed as it is exposed to sunlight and heat. This will reduce the likelihood of a smelly foundation and/or moldy surface underneath the foundation. 5 In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a drainage system all around the building site, for example at a distance of at least 300 mm away from the footing foundation, so external water does not have access to come and flood underneath the foundation. This may further improve the performance of the vents 310. If vents 310 are 10 installed, their positioning is important. Rubber pads 120 The resilient plates (rubber pads) 120 or 120' (Figures 13A and 13B) are preferably formed of a soft rubber which is able to absorb movement, and also to be compressed to a certain 15 hardness and be able to withstand the entire weight of the whole building. It will be understood that increasing the weight of the building or adding upper levels (two, three stories) may require the rubber pads to be upgraded as well, for example to have greater thickness. 20 It is preferable but not compulsory to place stainless steel plates on top of the rubber pads, as it is thought this will result in greater ability of the foundation 100 to absorb any movement. The rubber pads 120 are positioned between the precast elements 130, 132 and the strip 25 footing 110, as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4. Each supporting leg 620, 720, 820 or 920 (Figures 6 to 9) of a precast element 130, 132, 600 or 900 shares one pad 120 with a supporting leg 620 etc. of another, directly adjoining, precast element. Accordingly, one rubber pad 120 supports respective legs of two different precast elements. 30 Each rubber pad 120, before it is installed, is cut to a size appropriate for the size of the precast elements 130, 132, 600, 900 it is to support. A hole 122 (Figure 13A) is also C.NRPonbflDCC\EX-4617466.1 DOC-IllIO9/20)12 -9 formed in rubber pad 120 before installation. The hole 122 is formed to accommodate a bracing bolt (e.g. 1700, Figure 17) and is preferably approx. 150 mm in diameter. As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the rubber pad 120, 120' thickness may vary and may depend on the quality of rubber used, but typically should not be below 50 mm. This 5 thickness is preferable for providing the desired degree of vertical and horizontal movement, and to allow room for movement between the precast elements and the footing system. Precast elements 130, 132, 600, 900 10 Two types of precast elements may be used with embodiments of the present invention: - a lightweight version 600, designed to hold and handle lightweight cladding; and - a heavyweight version 130, 132, or 900, designed to carry and handle solid heavy weight cladding like stone, bricks etc. 15 The lightweight version (Figures 5 and 6) is specially designed for weatherboard homes, and homes that are finished with a cladding which is attached to the frame of the structure, rather than to the foundation. That means the final finish or cladding used does not sit directly on the strip footing 110 and is not built up using the footing as a base. Rather, it is more a floating finish above the foundation 100, attached to the frame 160 itself, with an 20 expansion gap in between the walls and the foundation 100 which allows for movement. The lightweight-type precast element 600 includes four legs 620, each pair of legs being spanned by an arch 610 or 612. Precast element 600 has a top surface 630 with a rebated or recessed edge 632. Each leg 620 has a recessed portion 622 to receive a bracing element which extends through a hole 624 of the precast element 600 and connects to a bracing bolt 25 cast in or drilled in to the strip footing 1 10. The sidewalls 642, 644 of element 600 include apertures 614 to receive further fasteners for fastening adjacent precast elements 600 together, for example. Advantageously, the recesses 622 formed for bracing purposes allow firm fastening of the elements 600 to the strip footing 110 whilst also allowing cladding 150 to sit flush against the sidewalls 644 of elements 600. 30 For structures built using the foundation of preferred embodiments of the present C:\NRPorbl\DCC'\FXN4617466_ IDC. I WC 12012 - 10 invention, precast elements are designed in a way to suit and perform reliably in any type of building site and building foundation. These elements are preferably made of a concrete mixture which may include the following components: cement, sand, and rocks (including volcanic rocks) which are crushed or milled to produce rock particles having a size 5 distribution primarily in the range 4mm-6mm diameter or so. They are relatively lightweight, enabling easier installation and transportation. Preferably, the precast elements 130, 132, 600, 900 are reinforced with steel rods and/or steel mesh. They serve to bear the weight of the dwelling and at the same time are intended 10 to be able to handle all possible movements and vibrations of the entire construction, and other events which commonly occur for all types of foundation. The arches 610, 612 give extra support and strength to the element 600. The arches 610 and 612 may also serve to provide access points below the foundation 100, and may also 15 provide excellent ventilation. By having precast elements 600 in this kind of shape, additional room below the foundation 100 is established. The extra room can be used for installation of plumbing pipes and other services, as well as for storage. This access room below the foundation 100 can also allow maintenance and monitoring of the entire foundation 100 at any time. Any necessary action such as lifting and levelling, changing 20 rubber pads, foundation reinforcement, etc., can be done in a very easy way. Precast sections or elements 600 can be built in practically any length and width, although it is preferred that the dimensions be chosen according to what is most suitable and most practical. The height of the elements 600 may depend on requirements set by building 25 codes and regulations for each state and/or country. As long as sufficient access is provided below the foundation, for a tradesperson to crawl under to do their job, there is enough height and opening. On top of each precast element 600, all edges 632 are rebated or recessed as shown in 30 Figures 5 and 6. Rebated edges 632 are preferably a minimum of 100 mm in depth and a minimum of 200 mm in width. When the precast elements are aligned alongside each other C:\NRPorbl\DCC\EXT\4617466_1 DOC- 1/w/2012 - 11 the grooves or rebated sections 632 will create a channel (preferably of at least 400 mm width) between them. This channel is to become part of the top concrete layer or concrete plate 140 which is to be reinforced with a steel mesh (for the concrete plate 140) and steel rods (for the channel) before concrete is poured down. When all precast elements 600 are 5 in place and boxed around (preferably only boxing of approximately 200 mm all around the foundation near the top edge), a single slab is poured to form the top plate 140. By having a top concrete plate 140 in place, a locking-up of the precast elements 600 is established, giving maximum reinforcement to them and to the complete foundation 100. Accordingly, the precast elements 600 and concrete top plate 140 together become a solid, 10 strong foundation base designed to move and absorb movement. By reinforcing the top of the foundation, internal walls can theoretically be placed anywhere along the floor plate 140 of the foundation 100, and external walls will have a strong enough base to be placed on. 15 For a single story home or smaller building with a lightweight cladding and light roof structure, it may be possible to omit rebating of the precast elements, and also to omit the top concrete plate 140. In these circumstances, the edges of the precast elements 600 can be 90 degrees squared off. Any other floor finish can be used directly on top of the precast elements 600. 20 In between adjacent precast elements 600, resilient members such as sponge pads can optionally be installed in order to allow for concrete expansion, and to minimise rubbing and noise when movement happens. Expansion of the concrete in a precast element 600 is minimal, especially when the elements 600 are placed above ground and there is no contact 25 with the ground. When lightweight cladding is to be used, and the lightweight version 600 of the precast element is used in the foundation 600, all precast elements can be manufactured to substantially the same design. The length and the width of elements used to finish the 30 edges of the foundation may of course be varied as necessary or desired, depending on the dimensions of the base of the proposed building and on the plans.

CANRPorbl\DCC\EXT1467J6_ I DOC.IW09/2012 - 12 The heavyweight version 130, 132, 900, as shown in use in Figures 1, 3 and 4 and in isolation in Figures 7 to 9, performs a similar function to the lightweight version 600. The primary difference is that all precast elements 130, 132, 900 used around the foundation 5 edge have an additional exposed solid concrete section (lip) 710, 810 or 910, reinforced and configured for heavyweight cladding and heavy structures. The exposed section or lip 710, 810, 910 acts as a base upon which the heavy cladding can be built up. The lip may have one or more holes to allow space for bracing and also to allow room for the array of precast elements to move. 10 For example, as shown in Figure 7, a corner heavyweight-type element 130, designed to be placed at the corners of foundation 100 as shown in Figures 1 and 4, has a lip 710 extending from sidewalls 712, 714. The lip 710 includes a round aperture 740 and elongate apertures or recesses 742 to accommodate bracing bolts cast into the strip footing 110. The 15 elongate apertures 742 are shaped to mate with corresponding elongate apertures in an adjoining precast element to form an extended aperture 410, as shown in Figure 4. The precast element 130 has four legs 720, between pairs of which span an arch 716 or 718. Apertures 722 are formed in sidewall 712 to receive bracing elements 172 (Figure 3) to anchor the legs to the bracing bolts extending from the strip footing through apertures 740, 20 742. Further apertures 724 formed in sidewall 714 (and in the other sidewalls not shown in the Figure) receive fasteners to attach adjoining precast elements 130, 132, 600 or 900. The top surface 730 of corner element 130 has a rebated edge 732, similar to the rebated edge 632 of element 600. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, an additional 25 step can be formed in the sidewall of corner element 130 and/or element 600 so as to form a deeper channel to receive poured concrete when the top concrete plate 140 is poured to lock together the array of elements 130, 132, 600, 900 as described above. The edge element 132 shown in Figure 8 is of similar construction to corner element 130, 30 but includes a lip 810 which protrudes from only one of its sidewalls 812. Fastener holes 822 are formed in sidewall 812 to allow the legs 820 to be fastened to bracing bolts which C:\NRPonbKDCGEXT\4617466_ .DOC. I M9/2012 - 13 protrude from the strip footing 110 and through elongate apertures 842. Further fastener holes 824 are formed in sidewall 814 to secure adjoining precast elements 130, 132, 600 or 900. The top surface 830 has a rebated edge 832. 5 Edge element 900 shown in Figure 9 is substantially the same as edge element 132 of Figure 8, but with the lip 910 extending from its longer sidewall 912 rather than the shorter sidewall 914. Apertures 922 in sidewall 912 receive bracing elements to anchor to bracing bolts extending through elongate apertures 942. Further apertures 924 in sidewall 914 (and in the other sidewalls not shown) receive fasteners to anchor element 900 to adjoining 10 elements 130, 132, 600 or 900. The top surface 900 has a rebated edge 932. Bracing The ring bolts or eye bolts (see Figures 16 to 19) are to be concreted in the strip footing 110 all around the foundation 100, and additional bracing may be installed in the centre of 15 the foundation 100 to prevent the building from lifting and to provide better securing. During construction, a stencil with holes marked at the intended positions of the ring bolts or eye bolts 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 is used to placed the bolts into the marked spaces when the concrete is wet. The bolts preferably remain in the vertical and lined up position and the rings should be aligned in a single direction which is parallel with the footing 20 channel 112 or parallel to the sidewalls 712, 714, etc. of the precast elements 130, 132, 900. Advantageously, this allows for uniform tension and tolerance for movement of the structure. Preferably, the bracing system is a combination of angle bracings and vertical bracing. 25 Vertical bracing serves to prevent lifting of the building due to strong winds and to minimize possible shaking. By placing and installing a central brace the building will remain more solid and more secure. Each corner of the building is preferably braced vertically and by angle bracing. Central sections along the sides of the footing I10 are preferably also braced. Additional bracing may also be applied along the sides of the 30 structure as desired. In some embodiments bracing is applied to each precast element along the wall, although this will typically not be necessary, and it may suffice to brace every C \NRPonblDCCEXT\461746 LDOC-IK/09/2012 - 14 second element 132 or 900 from the comers 130 inwards, including a central one of the elements 132 or 900. Angle bracing is designed to hold the building in place in the event of side movement. 5 Bracing of each wall individually is designed to hold that particular wall and that side of the building in place. Bracing of all walls combined, or of the whole foundation, may be particularly advantageous, as the combined effect may accommodate all elements of movement and vibration in all direction and even in very harsh environmental circumstances. 10 There are many different types and shapes of bolt (see Figures 16 to 19) that could be used for the bracing extending from the strip footing 110 to the precast elements 130, 132, 900. Two preferred examples are eye bolts and chemset eye bolts. A preferred eye bolt is a prefabricated steel bolt with a ring 1610, 1710, 1810 or 1910 at a top end and a widened 15 (outwardly tapering) bottom end (1730, 1830) and/or corrugated body to provide improved grip to the concrete when the concrete dries. This type of bolt could alternatively have a straight corrugated body 1620, 1630 and a widened end with outwardly extending fingers or arms 1640 for better and stronger grab inside the concrete. A yet further bolt 1900 has a straight portion 1920 to sit above the footing 110 and a twisted or helical tail portion 1930 20 which is cast into the footing. An alternative eye bolt is similar in construction to the above, but includes a chemical capsule for strong setting inside the concrete and can be installed into dry concrete after it has set. A yet further type of suitable bolt 1400 or 1500, shown in Figures 14 and 15, includes a 25 straight body portion 1410 or 1510 and an outwardly tapered tail 1420 or 1520 cast into footing 110. Bolt 1400 has at its head two side bracing arms 1430 while bolt 1500 has a side bracing arm 1530 and a vertical bracing arm 1532. The bracing elements 172 used to connect precast elements 130, 132, 600, 900 to bracing 30 bolts 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800 or 1900 may be any suitable type of bracing element, including: C:\NRPonbhDCC\EXT617466 1.DOC.Iw9/2U012 - 15 * Synthetic fibre cable brace * Pneumatic or hydraulic bracing * Spring system e Centered soft spring with steel arms 5 e Steel cable. Joining bolts 1 100, 1200 and side eye bolts 1000 Joining bolts 1100, 1200 (Figures 11 and 12) are used to join precast elements 130, 132, 600, 900 together. They are placed in a plurality of locations for improved fastening 10 performance. By joining precast elements 130 etc. at their lower end and in the middle with the bolts 1100, 1200, the strength and stability of the foundation as a whole is improved. The joining bolts 1100, 1200 assist in forming a unified structure in the form of a floating foundation which can move as a whole if required, and which can handle load equally throughout the building. 15 Joining bolts 1100, 1200 are preferably made of structural steel and are preferably not less than 20 mm diameter. Two types of washers may be used. One type is a rubber washer that sits against the concrete surface; the other is a steel washer that sits just before the nut, as shown in Figure 11. A composite washer (one side rubber, one side steel) may also 20 advantageously be employed. The rubber washer is used to absorb force and movement and prevent elements from cracking, and to provide easier application of tension on the bolts and nuts. Joining bolts 1100 include the following components: nuts 1110, steel washers 1120, 25 rubber washers 1130, thread 1140. Joining bolts 1200 include: nuts 1210, steel washers 1220, rubber washers 1230, thread 1240, bracing section 1250. Eye bolts 1000 are bolts used for upper external bracing of precast elements 130 etc. and the complete upper structure to the strip footing 110. They are also preferably made from 30 structural steel and are preferably equipped to handle sudden, strong and heavy forces. These bolts are attached in the same way as the joining bolts 1100, 1200 above. It is C \NRPonbl\DCC\EX461746_1.DOC-18/0W62012 -16 advantageous to have an eye bolt in place because there can be two or more bracing elements attached to it. If the movement of the building goes in one direction the bolt 1000 will slightly turn and follow this direction. If the movement's direction is suddenly changed the eye bolt will slightly follow which also helps to absorb vibrations and shaking 5 of the building. Any other available systems and bolts and nuts may be used as long they are suitable for the purpose outlined above. Eye bolt 1000 includes: nut 1010; steel washers 1020; rubber washers 1030; thread 1040; eye 1060; reinforced steel section 1070. 10 The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of 15 endeavour to which this specification relates. Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of 20 any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (9)

1. A foundation system for a building, including in ground footing system/strip footing (concrete in ground channeling footing system or a strip footing); an array of resilient plates supported on the in ground footing system; and an array of precast concrete elements supported on the array of resilient plates; Wherein the precast concrete elements and the resilient plates are secured to the strip footing and the precast concrete elements are secured to each other, such that the array of resilient plates is configured to at least partially absorb the movement and the vibration of the ground on which the foundation system is supported, wherein the precast concreate elements have rebated edges at their top surfaces such that a series of channels is formed between adjacent precast concrete elements; J the foundation system including, a top layer of concrete which fills the series of channels and lock the precast concrete elements together. 5

2. A foundation system according to claim 1 wherein at least some elements include a lip extending therefrom to support a cladding structure. - 18

3. A foundation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the precast concrete elements include an access aperture extending theretrough.

4. A foundation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the precast concrete elements are secured to the strip footing by a bracing system.

5. A foundation system according to claim 4, wherein the bracing system includes a plurality of bracing bolts embedded in the strip footing.

6. A foundation system according to claim 5, wherein the bracing bolts are secured to fastening points on the precast concrete elements by bracing elements. J

7. A foundation system according to claim 6, wherein the bracing elements are synthetic fiber of steel cables.

8. A foundation system according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the precast concrete elements include recessed portion to accommodate the bracing system.

9. A foundation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip footing includes at least one conduit for ventilation and/or drainage.