Foundation Design Software for Safe, Optimized Foundation Design
OPTIFOUND by VAVETEK AI uses structural-design inputs to generate optimized foundation designs that satisfy applicable design-code requirements. From the inputs: forces, moments, material properties, and soil parameters, OPTIFOUND evaluates design alternatives and determines an efficient foundation configuration while performing analysis, design and checking stability.
What is OPTIFOUND?
OPTIFOUND is Automated Foundation Design Optimization software developed by VAVETEK AI for foundation design, optimization and safety checking. Instead of requiring engineers to repeatedly modify foundation dimensions, reinforcement, and other design parameters manually, OPTIFOUND uses inputs from the super structure design (reactions) to evaluate foundation alternatives and determines an optimal foundation configuration given soil parameters. The generated foundation is checked against the applicable design requirements so that optimization does not come at the expense of structural safety and code compliance. OPTIFOUND currently supports optimization for: - Isolated Footings - Combined Footings -Strip Footings - Raft Foundations. The objective is simple: Generate a safe, code-compliant and optimized foundation for given structural-design inputs.
Stop iterating by hand. Start with the efficient answer.
Most foundation designs pass on the first workable trial and carry capacity that was not needed. OPTIFOUND keeps searching until it finds the leanest design that satisfies every check codal requirements.
No repetitive iterations
Alternatives are generated and checked automatically.
Expose overdesign
Utilization across all checks shows where size, thickness or reinforcement exceed what is required.
Code compliance kept
Any candidate that fails an applicable check is rejected before an optimized design is selected.
Know why it governs
See the governing load case and check behind every dimension, not just a pass or fail.
HOW OPTIFOUND WORKS
From structural model to optimized foundation in three steps
OPTIFOUND fits right after structural analysis and design, using data your model already contains.
01
Import design inputs
Forces, moments and load combinations from ETABS or STAAD, plus soil, material and column data.
02
Generate & check alternatives
The engine varies geometry, thickness and reinforcement, running every check on each candidate.
03
Get the optimized design
The most efficient passing design, with utilization and governing conditions reported for review.
FOUNDATION TYPES
One optimization engine, every common foundation
Isolated footings
A single pad under an individual column.
Combined footings
Two or more columns sharing one foundation, with load interaction accounted for.
Strip footings
A continuous footing beneath a line of columns or a wall.
Raft foundations
A single slab supporting many columns or structural elements.
DESIGN CHECKS
Every check, evaluated together
Low utilization in one check does not mean a foundation is overdesigned. Another check may govern. OPTIFOUND weighs them all at once and tells you which one controls each alternatives.
Soil & stability
Bearing pressure controls plan size
Sliding controls geometry
Overturning controls stability
Structural
Flexure controls reinforcement
One-way shear controls thickness
Punching shear controls thickness
Detailing
Minimum thickness buildability
Bar size & spacing buildability
Concrete cover durability
Not the smallest foundation.
The most efficient one that passes.
Optimization never trades away the safety margins your design code requires. OPTIFOUND searches only within the applicable structural, soil, stability and detailing requirements, so the result is lean, practical to build, and ready for your review and approval process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inputs does OPTIFOUND need?
Forces and moments, load cases and combinations, material and soil properties, and column/support information. These can be taken from super structure design done in softwsare such as ETABS & STAAD.
Which foundation types are supported?
Isolated, combined, strip and raft foundations are supported.
Does it just audit an existing design?
No. It runs the full set of design checks and also generates and evaluates alternatives to arrive at an optimized design.
Will it always give the smallest foundation?
No. It finds the most efficient design that satisfies every applicable structural, soil, stability and detailing requirement.
Are the results code-compliant?
Designs are checked against the design-code requirements. As with any engineering output, final designs should go through your project’s review and approval.
Ready to revolutionize your BIM MEP designs with AI?
Contact us today to learn more about solutions and how we can help you achieve your goals.