FOUNDATION
Foundations are an essential
component in building construction,
providing a stable and secure base
for a structure. The type of
foundation used for a building
depends on various factors, including
the soil type, building size and type,
and environmental conditions such
as seismic activity and wind loads.
There are two main categories of
foundations: shallow and deep.
•Shallow foundations, also known
as footings, are typically used for
smaller buildings and are placed
near the surface of the soil.
•Deep foundations, on the other
hand, are used for larger and
heavier structures or when the
soil near the surface is not
strong enough to support the
weight of the building.
TYPES OF SHALLOW
FOUNDATIONS
1. Isolated Spread Footing
Isolated footing is a type of shallow foundation
used in building construction, typically for single
columns or pillars. It is a rectangular or square-
shaped foundation that bears the load of the
column and transfers it to the soil below. Isolated
footings are designed based on the load-bearing
capacity of the soil, the weight of the structure,
and other factors such as wind and seismic loads.
2. Wall Footings
Wall footings are pad or spread and strip footings that are
used to support structural or nonstructural walls to transmit
and distribute the loads to the soil. All footing runs along
the direction of the wall.
The thickness and size of the footing are specified based on
the type of soil at the site. The width of the footing is
generally kept between 2-3 times the width of the wall.
In this foundation, the wall footing can be constructed from
plain concrete, reinforced concrete, stone, or brick.
It can be more effective for load-bearing structures and
boundary wall construction.
3. Combined Footings
Combined footings are provided when the
column is closely spaced So that their footing
overlaps with each other and when the soil
bearing capacity of a soil is lower this type of
footing is used. Or Column located near to
property line or sewer line.
4. Cantilever or Strap Footings
When two or more footing is connected by
a beam, it is known as a strap footing, and
the beam connecting footing is known as a
strap.
This is an important foundation. When a
square or rectangular footing is located
near the property line and if it is
concentrically located under the column
would extend into the adjoining property.
The main function of the strap beam is to
transfer a load of the heavily loaded outer
column to the inner one. While transferring
this load strap footing has to experience
shear force and bending moment.
Suitability
The column is located near the property
line and its dimension is restricted.
5. Raft or Mat Foundation
A Raft foundation is also known as a
Mat foundation, it is a continuous slab that
covers the entire area of building a foundation
and transfers its weight to the ground.
It is recommended when compressed soil
such as very soft clay, alluvial deposits, and
compressible fill material
A Raft foundation is also used for low-
bearing capacity soil, as it distributes the
weight of the building over the entire area
of the building, and not over the smaller
zone or at the individual point. Ultimately
reduces the stress per area on the soil.
A Raft foundation is also used for low-
bearing capacity soil, as it distributes the
weight of the building over the entire area
of the building, and not over the smaller
zone or at the individual point. Ultimately
reduces the stress per area on the soil.
The stress concept is very simple for civil
engineers. We know that stress is a ratio
of weight by area.
Deep Foundation
A foundation in which the depth of the
foundation is more than the width of the
foundation is known as a deep foundation
1. Pile Foundation
The pile foundation is a type of deep foundation
made of concrete, timber, or steel. It is like a small-
diameter column that is driven into or cast in the
ground.
In simple words, a pile foundation has depth more
than a shallow foundation. This foundation primly
used in bridge construction..
This type of foundation is used when the soil below
the foundation does not have the sufficient bearing
capacity to carry the load of the building into deep
soil up to hard strata.
We use a pile foundation when:
•The compressible or weak upper soil layer
•Presence of horizontal forces
•Expansive soils in the foundation
•Subjected to uplifting forces
•Soil erosion
2. Pier or Caisson Foundation:
Caisson foundation is majorly used for bridge
construction & other structures that require a
foundation beneath rivers & other bodies of
water.
A Caisson is one type of watertight retaining
structure used in the construction of a concrete
dam, as a pier of bridge construction in the
river, or for the repair of ships.
Caisson is a prefabricated hollow box or
cylinder sunk into the water or ground to
some desired depth and then filled with
concrete thus forming a foundation.
They are similar to pile foundations but are
installed using a different method. Caisson
foundation is used, when the soil of
adequate bearing strength is found below
surface layers of weak materials
