Which foundation practice ensures proper alignment and prevents structural damage over time?

The practice of pouring to minus elevation is crucial for ensuring proper alignment and preventing structural damage over time. This method involves constructing the foundation at a slightly lower elevation than the expected final grade or positioning of the structure. By doing this, any potential settlement or shifting that may occur over time is accounted for, allowing the structure to maintain its intended alignment.

When foundations are poured to minus elevation, it helps to mitigate issues like uneven settling or misalignment due to soil compaction or changes in moisture content. This proactive approach can greatly reduce the risk of structural damage that may occur as the building materials react to environmental conditions over time. Ensuring that the foundation is slightly lower allows for any movement to occur without compromising the structural integrity or misalignment of the building.

Other practices, while valuable in their respective contexts, do not address the fundamental issue of initial foundation alignment as comprehensively as pouring to minus elevation.