A framework of beams or girders laid horizontally to form a strong foundation for heavy structures, especially on soft or unstable ground.
From French 'grillage,' from 'grille' meaning 'grill' or 'lattice.' The word describes the lattice-like pattern of crossed beams. It entered English in the 19th century through architectural and engineering terminology.
Engineers borrowed the cooking term 'grill' pattern to describe foundation structures because both involve creating strength through a framework of intersecting elements—the vocabulary of one field often mirrors another.
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