Topic outline

  • Foundation Design and Construction for Single Family Residential Construction

    Credits: 3 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the engineering principles, design methodologies, and construction practices essential to the development of safe and durable foundations for single-family residential buildings. 

    Emphasizing the interplay between geotechnical analysis, structural design, local building codes, and construction processes, the course equips professional engineers with the knowledge required to assess, plan, and oversee foundation systems that are structurally sound and compliant with regulatory and environmental conditions. Real-world site variables, soil-structure interaction, drainage issues, and cost considerations are also thoroughly examined to ensure practical application in diverse residential contexts.

    Topics:

    Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

    • Understand the classification and characteristics of various soil types and their impact on foundation performance
    • Evaluate site conditions and conduct basic geotechnical investigations for residential projects
    • Design appropriate shallow and deep foundation systems for single-family homes based on loading, soil, and structural criteria
    • Interpret and apply relevant residential building codes and standards to foundation design
    • Assess drainage, settlement risks, and site-specific constraints affecting foundation integrity
    • Supervise construction practices to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and avoid common failure modes

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.


    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 
    When you are ready to download and print your Certificate of Completion, we ask that payment has been completed for either the Unlimited Plan or individual PDH credit(s). Clicking the download button below serves as your digital confirmation that payment has been made.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Intended Audience: This course is intended for licensed professional engineers involved in residential structural or civil engineering, land development, geotechnical engineering, and construction engineering. It is particularly relevant to those who perform design or oversight roles in single-family residential building projects. Applicable disciplines include civil, structural, construction, and geotechnical engineering. 
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1