In this Chapter-

“bearing area of foundation” means the contact area between the underside of the foundation and the subsoil;

“foundation” means that part of the building or structure which is in direct contact with, and transmits loads to, the subsoil;

“maximum allowable bearing pressure” means the maximum allowable net loading intensity on the subsoil in any given case, the following being taken into account: the maximum safe bearing capacity, and the ability of the structure to accommodate itself to this settlement;

“maximum safe bearing capacity” means the maximum net loading intensity which the subsoil will safely carry without risk of shear failure, irrespective of any consolidation settlement which may result;

“net loading intensity” means the additional intensity of loading on the subsoil or any horizontal plane due to the mass of the new building or structure, including earthworks if any; that is to say, it is the difference the total intensity of pressure before building operations are commenced and the total intensity of pressure after the structure is complete and fully loaded;

“sleeper wall” means a foundation wall erected between other foundation walls to provide an intermediate support to the lowest floor, and having no corresponding wall directly above it;

“subsoil” means the ground which receives the load from the foundation.