CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 FOUNDATION SYSTEMS

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS PRELIMINARY WORK

PRELIMINARY WORK

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SOIL TESTING

SOIL INVESTIGATION

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SOIL TESTING

Soil testing and investigation + geotechnical

report
Importance: Understanding soil properties at
various depths is crucial for selecting the
appropriate type of foundation.
Common Soil Tests:
Standard Penetration Test (SPT): Measures
soil resistance to penetration, giving an indication
of soil density and strength.
Cone Penetration Test (CPT): Provides
continuous profiling of soil resistance.
Soil Borings: Involves drilling into the soil and
retrieving samples for laboratory testing.
Laboratory Tests: Include grain size analysis,
Atterberg limits (to determine plasticity), and
compaction tests

SOIL TESTING

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SOIL TESTING

SOIL TESTING

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SITE EXCAVATION

CONSTRUCTION SITE LAYOUT

IMPLANTACIÓN DE OBRA

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS CONSTRUCTION SITE LAYOUT

Fences
Site cabins (office space, sanitary facilities, dining área, …)
Separated accesses for vehicles and pedestrians

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SITE EXCAVATION

SIGNALS

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS EARTHWORKS

EARTHWORKS

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS EARTHWORKS

Site clearing
This refers to the process of removing vegetation, debris,
and other obstructions from a parcel of land before
construction work begins. The goal is to prepare the site
for excavation and foundation work by ensuring it is clean
and ready for the next stages of construction
Removing approx. 30cm of topsoil

SITE CLEARING | DESBROCE DE PARCELA

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS EARTHWORKS

Marking - gypsum Fixed points

site staking or setting out

• process of marking out the positions of the building or structure on the construction site
according to the plans
• it ensures that the construction is carried out in the correct location, with the accurate
dimensions and orientations specified in the design.
• the surveyor provides the points

SETTING OUT | REPLANTEO

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS EARTHWORKS

• Excavation plans (access points, ramps to access the excavation, …)

• We use the results of the soil survey to make a decision of the best type
of foundation and the level of the excavation
• We measure the volume of earth that needs to be removed

EXCAVATION

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS EARTHWORKS

• The excavation should generally be about 60 cm

larger than the outline of the building all round;
• To have adequate working space for the contractor.
• The angle of the sloping sides to the excavation
(and if necessary stabilising measures) depends on
the properties of the soil.
Free plot • The angle must also be chosen to rule out slippage
or collapse and hence guarantee the safety of
persons working in the excavation.
• Depending on the weather conditions and the
hydrostatic pressure (slope run-off water or
groundwater), any water must be drained away

Party wall

SETTING OUT OF THE EXCAVATION

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS EARTHWORKS

If there is room on the site or in the immediate vicinity,

excavated material (spoil) is retained for backfilling at a
later date because the transport of spoil is expensive and
should be avoided wherever possible.

trucks covered and with clean wheels

before leaving the site

EXCAVATION

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS EARTH RETENTION

EARTH RETENTION

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS EARTH RETENTION

methods and structures used to support and stabilize soil and prevent soil
movement, e.g.:
- slopes
- retaining walls
- soil nails
- anchored systems

SLOPES | Taludes

Unstable soils

Soft soils

Site cutting and excavation Highly

- terraced compacted
soils

EARTH RETENTION | CONTENCIÓN DE TIERRAS

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS EARTH RETENTION

Thrench shoring
SHORING
- Industrialized system
It is a temporary operation
to support soil:
• It is used when there is
a risk of collapse
• When a slope height
greater than the natural
slope is required

Types:
• Shoring in trenches
• Shoring in excavations

Shoring in excavation
- Bracing | tornapuntas

TEMPORAY EARTH RETENTION: SHORING | ENTIBACIÓN

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS EARTH RETENTION

It helps to minimize the risk of collapse by ensuring that

only a small portion of the excavation is open at a time

SEQUENCED EXCAVATION | EXCAVACIÓN POR BATACHES

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS EARTH RETENTION

- Soil is strengthened with reinforcing elements, such as metal strips

or geosynthetics, to increase its stability and load-bearing capacity
- Facing panel to prevent erosion, and constitute a visible part of the
retention wall
- Reinforced soil as a backfill
- It is a gravity structure: relies on its own weight and the friction
between the soil and the steel

REINFORCED EARTH | TIERRA ARMADA

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS FOUNDATIONS

FOUNDATIONS

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS FOUNDATIONS

The foundations project

beyond the rising structural
member
a) to spread the load
b) to provide a firm, level
base for formwork
Shallow foundation Deep foundation
components in contact with
Used when the load-carrying Used when the load-carrying the soil are practically always
capacity of the subsoil is capacity of the subsoil is in concrete nowadays
consistent inconsistent or inadequate near
the surface; depth of
foundation = depth of
• Pad foundation | zapatas loadbearing stratum
• Strip foundation
• Raft foundation | losas • Caissons | pozos de cimentación
• Piles | pilotes
TYPES

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

CIMENTACIONES SUPERFICIALES

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

TYPES

Rigid Isolated
• Mass concrete • Centred
• Without structural reinforcement • Excentric
• Work under compression • Party wall
• Corner
Flexible
• Reinforced concrete
Combined
• With structural reinforcement • Interior
• Work under bending • Party wall

PAD FOOTING / ISOLATED FOOTING

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

blinding concrete (a thin layer-10cm- of

concrete poured over the ground;
creates a clean, stable, and level
surface, preventing contamination of the
Column structural concrete

Construction joint spacers (ensure the required cover

around the steel bars)

binding
concrete

Construction joint and rebar dowels

spacer (esperas)

PAD FOOTING / ISOLATED FOOTING

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

Excentric pad footing

PAD FOOTING / ISOLATED FOOTING

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

• to redistribute loads
• to prevent relative
movements between the
footings and absorb
horizontal loads, especially
seismic forces
• the steel continues inside the
pad footing

TIE BEAMS | VIGAS DE ATADO O CENTRADORAS

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

• The base of the foundation is

linear and is usually uniform in
terms of depth and width.
• They receive linear loads
(under walls)

STRIP FOOTINGS ZAPATAS CORRIDAS

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

• For steel columns

• Steel plate with reinforcement bars

BASE PLATE / PLACA DE ANCLAJE

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

Setting out Excavation

CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE Blinding concrete Reinforcement bars

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

Formwork if needed

CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

process of using a mechanical vibrator to

eliminate air pockets and ensure proper
compaction of the concrete

Concrete pouring + concrete vibrating

CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

• A raft foundation is a continuous slab of concrete

(densly reinforced) that covers the entire footprint of
a building. It distributes the weight of the structure
evenly across the entire area, reducing the pressure
on the soil.

• To reduce differential settlements in

heterogeneous soils
• when there is significant variability in loads
between nearby supports
• it may be advisable when the building has
basements and its interior floor level is below
the groundwater table

• The entire slab is poured at once, creating a

monolithic foundation that helps prevent differential
settlement.
• Simplifies construction since the entire foundation is
poured at once
• Requires a large amount of concrete and steel,
making it more expensive than other shallow
foundations.

RAFT FOUNDATIONS | LOSAS DE CIMENTACIÓN

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS FOUNDATIONS

Chair bar

Reinforcement bars
around columns

Detail
RAFT FOUNDATION

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS FOUNDATIONS

excavation gravel blinding and formwork

Sanitary network chair bars Concrete pouring Rebar dowels | esperas

RAFT FOUNDATION

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

DEEP FOUNDATIONS
• Piles | pilotes
• Diaphragm wall | muro pantalla
• Basement wall | muro de sótano

CIMENTACIONES PROFUNDAS

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

PILES
• Cast in situ
• Prefabricated

CIMENTACIONES PROFUNDAS

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

Deep foundations are used when the shallow soil layers are
not capable of supporting the loads from the structure

Types of Piles:

End-Bearing Piles:
Function: Transfer loads directly to a firm stratum (e.g.,
rock) at the pile’s tip.
Application: Used when there is a strong, stable layer at
a significant depth.

Friction Piles:
Function: Transfer loads through friction between the
surface of the pile and the surrounding soil.
Application: Used when there is no distinct bearing layer,
and the pile derives support from the surrounding soil.

CAST IN SITU PILES. DRILLED PILE PILOTES REALIZADOS IN SITU

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

• Helicoidal screw displaces soil untill a loadbearing

layer is detected
• Full-legth reinforcement lowered into the central tube
• Fluid concrete injected under controlled pressure

INSTALLATION METHODS: CAST IN SITU PILES. DRILLED PILE PILOTES REALIZADOS IN SITU

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

• Casing is used during the drilling process

• The case can be left in the ground: sacrificial casing camisa perdida
• Or recovered entubación recuperable

INSTALLATION METHODS: CAST IN SITU PILES. CASED BORED PILES PILOTES REALIZADOS IN SITU

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

• When the execution of a shallow foundation is not technically feasible  deep

foundation.
• For cast in situ piles
• Diametre <0,45m: they can’t be executed individually  pile cap
• 0,45cm < diametre < 1m; They can be executed individually, with bracing in two
directions (arriostramiento)
• Diametre > 1m; they can be executed individually

Pile cap ! Encepado de pilotes

DESIGN CRITERIA

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

• Impact driving; does not require earth retention

• Striking them with a heavy weight or hammer

PREFABRICATED PILES PILOTES PREFABRICADOS

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

splicing of prestressed prefabricated cutting the column head of a reinforced concrete pile | descabezado

e.g. companies: Terratest, Rodio Kronsa

DRIVEN PREFABRICATED PILE | PILOTE PREFABRICADO HINCADO

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

DIAPHRAGM WALL
• Continous diaphragm wall
• Pile wall

MURO PANTALLA

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

CONTINUOUS DIAPHRAGM WALL

MURO PANTALLA CONTINUO

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

type of retaining wall constructed as a continuous,

uninterrupted vertical barrier made of reinforced
concrete, used to support excavation sites and provide
structural stability Each panel around 2,5 and 4,5m

CONTINOUOS DIAPHRAGM WALL | MURO PANTALLA

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

Guide Wall (temporary)

Bentonite slurry
• maintains viscosity without settling,
Reinforcement cages
exerting pressure on the internal walls of
the excavation, preventing them from
collapsing inward
• As the concrete is poured, it gradually
displaces the slurry, which is extracted by
pumping
CONTINOUOS DIAPHRAGM WALL | MURO PANTALLA

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

PILE WALL

PANTALLA DE PILOTES

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

retaining wall constructed using piles

PILE WALL | PANTALLA DE PILOTES

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

Secant or tangent pile wall contiguous pile walls

Primary piles without reinforcement coherent (fine-grained) materials
Secondary piles drilling through soil and the where there is no possibility of
primary pile (overlap 8-10cm) material collapse between the
piles

secant pile walls

PILE WALL. TYPES | PANTALLA DE PILOTES

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

PILE WALL. TYPES | PANTALLA DE PILOTES

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS DEEP FOUNDATIONS

Capping beams

used to tie pile foundations together and create a level

surface for the construction of a building or other
structure.
• Prevents or inhibits lateral displacement of the
installed retaining piles or columns during the
excavation process
• Transfers vertical structural loads from the building
when constructed to the piles

PILE WALL | PANTALLA DE PILOTES

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS BASEMENT SYSTEMS

BASEMENT WALL

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS BASEMENT WALLS

Bentonite waterstop

• vertical structures that enclose and support the

basement of a building.
• provide structural stability and separate the
basement from the surrounding soil.

BASEMENT WALL

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS BASEMENT WALLS

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS BASEMENT WALLS

priming the back of the wall installation of waterproofing membrane (bituminous sheet)

Dimpled membrane | lámina drenante o huevera

Drainage pipe + gravel Drainage pipe + geotextile
WATERPROOFING AND DRAINAGE

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS BASEMENT WALLS

INSULATION

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SEWER NETWORK

SEWER NETWORK

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SEWER NETWORK

• We mention them here because

many times they are at the same
level as the foundations
• We need to be aware to plan them
correctly
• Ideally in the street we have a lower
level tan in the building so that the
system works by gravity.

separated networks:
sanitary wastewater and
stormwater

SEWER NETWORK | RED DE SANEAMIENTO

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SEWER NETWORK

Sewer pipes: pvc

Manholes: brick, prefab concrete, pvc (arqueta) Sewage pit: like a manhole, but with enough
diameter so that a man can go down
ELEMENTS

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS SEWER NETWORK

EARTHING SYSTEM

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS EARTHING SYSTEM

• It is part of the electrical system of the

building
• It involves connecting the electrical
installation or system to the earth (ground)
to ensure safety and proper operation
• It protects people and equipment from
electrical faults. In the event of a short
circuit or lightning strike, the excess
electricity is directed safely into the ground,
reducing the risk of electric shock or fire

• Bare copper cable

• Connecting the steel bars in reinforced
concrete, steel structure, electric trays, …

EARTHING SYSTEM | PUESTA A TIERRA

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION
FOUNDATION LAYOUT

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

EXT INT

Axis of the footing

In a typical case of a 25 cm wall and a

30x30 cm column, the difference
Axis of the column between their axes would be 2.5 cm,
which is quite difficult to pinpoint.
Therefore, in this case, it would be
better to use the external face of the
wall, which aligns with that of the
Axis of the foundation
column, as a reference

WALL

FOOTING

SETTING OUT ! REPLANTEO

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

e.g. Conservatorio León

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS BASEMENT SYSTEMS

e.g. Toledo

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS BASEMENT SYSTEMS

e.g. Toledo

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CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS BASEMENT SYSTEMS

e.g. Málaga

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 2 | FOUNDATION SYSTEMS BASEMENT SYSTEMS

e.g. Málaga

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