Foundations

This chapter explores the intricate geological and civil engineering challenges that Milwaukee and Chicago face due to their subsurface conditions. It discusses how both cities, situated on the Lake Michigan shore, share a history of building on low wetland ground underlain by treacherous sediments deposited during and after the Pleistocene Ice Age. Despite the deep bedrock and challenging sediments, Milwaukee and Chicago have thrived and have employed various foundation techniques like raft foundations, spread footings, piles, and caissons to support their towering structures. The chapter considers Milwaukee and Chicago's architectural feats as a testament to the ingenuity and expertise of their civil engineers and foundation contractors. It underscores the vital role of often-overlooked professionals in creating stable urban landscapes on such unstable ground.