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Foundation is one of the most important parts of the structure. Foundation is defined as that part
of the structure that transfers the load from the structure as well as its own weight over a large
area of soil in such a way that the load does not exceed the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil
and the settlement of the total structure remains within a tolerable limit. Foundation is the part of a
structure on which the building stands. The solid ground on which the foundation rests is called
the foundation bed.
Types of Foundation
In general, all foundations are divided into two categories, such as SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS
and DEEP FOUNDATIONS. The terms Shallow Foundation and Deep Foundation refer to the
depth of the soil at which the foundation is placed. Generally, if the width of the foundation is
greater than the depth of the foundation it is labeled as “Shallow Foundation” and if the width of
the foundation is smaller than the depth of the foundation it is called as “Deep Foundation.”
However, shallow and deep foundations can be further classified as shown in the following chart.
Main aspects of different types of foundation along with their images are given below. As
economic feasibility is one of the main factors in foundation type selection, it is also discussed
briefly with each type of foundation. To know other factors which affect the selection of foundation
read: Factors Considered for Selection of Foundation.
Shallow Foundations
Several types of shallow foundations are discussed below:
3. Combined Footing
The combined footing is very similar to the isolated footing. When the columns of the structure
are closely placed, or the bearing capacity of the soil is low and their footing overlap each other,
combined footing is provided.
The foundations which are made common to more than one column are called combined
footings. They may be rectangular, tee-shaped or trapezoidal in shape. The main objective is the
uniform distribution of loads under the entire area of footing. For this is necessary to coincide the
center of gravity of the footing area with the center of gravity of the total loads.
In strap footing, the footings under the columns are built individually and connected by strap
beam. Generally, when the edge of the footing cannot be extended beyond the property line the
exterior footing is connected by strap beam with interior footing.
Raft foundation consists of a reinforced concrete slab or T-beam slab placed over the entire area
of the structure. In this type of foundation, the entire basement floor slab acts as the foundation.
The total load of the structure is spread evenly over the entire area of the structure. This is called
Raft because in this case, the building seems like a vessel which floats on a sea of soil.
The soil is weak and the load has to be spread over a large area.
The structure includes a basement.
Columns are closely placed.
Other kinds of foundations are not feasible.
Differential settlement is to be prevented.
Deep Foundations
Several Types of Deep Foundations Are Discussed Below:
1. Pile Foundation
Pile foundation is a common type of deep foundation. They are used to reduce cost and when as
per soil condition considerations, it is desirable to transmit loads to soil strata which are beyond
the reach of shallow foundations.
Pile is a slender member with a small cross-sectional area compared to its length. It is used to
transmit foundation loads to a deeper soil or rock strata when the bearing capacity of soil near the
surface is relatively low. Pile transmits load either by skin friction or bearing. Piles are also used
for resist structures against uplift and provide structures stability against lateral and overturning
forces.
Pile foundations can again be classified based on its material and its mechanism of load transfer
or function. Several types of pile foundations are shown in the following chart.
3. Pier Foundation
Pier is an underground structure that transmits heavier load which cannot be transmitted by
shallow foundations. It is usually shallower than pile foundations.
Sound rock strata lie under a decomposed rock layer at the top.
The topsoil is stiff clay which resists driving the bearing pile.
When a heavy load is to be transferred to the soil.
4. Caisson Foundation
Caisson foundation is a watertight retaining structure used as a bridge pier, construction of dam
etc. It is generally used in structures which requires foundation beneath a river or similar water
bodies. Reason for choosing caisson foundation is that it can be floated to the desired location
and then sunk into place.
1. Box Caissons
2. Floating Caissons
3. Pneumatic Caissons
4. Open Caissons
5. Sheeted Caissons
6. Excavated Caissons
To conclude, the foundation is a structural supporting member which transfer the total load form
slab, beam, column, wall etc. The main objective of the foundation is to provide stability to the
total structure and safely transfer the total load from the structure to the soil at an optimum cost.
Deep Foundation
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