FOUNDATIONS FOR EARTH BUILDINGS IN THE TROPICS.

From a special study of the subject locally and an investigation in neighboring countries, both aided by UNESCO, this article from the Building and Road Research Unit in Kumasi, Ghana, considers two aspects of foundations for low-cost earth houses, the soil and the sub-structure. The bearing capacity and propensity to settlement of different soils likely to be encountered are assessed. Practical recommendations are then given on the choice of soil and the appropriate preparations and on suitable and economic foundation sub-structures which have been found to perform well under various climatic conditions.