Foundations

Building Construction Rishad Netarwala | 22

Types of Foundations
A)Shallow Foundations 1)Strip foundation 2)Strap Foundation 3)Pad Foundation 4)Mat Foundation 5)Raft Foundation

B)Deep Foundations 1)Pile Foundation

Foundations Function
The function of the foundations is to transmit the loads of the structure to the subsoil. Where a structure has only light loadings such as a domestic dwelling house, it is sufficient to use a mass concrete strip or a simple raft. Where buildings are either heavy or transmit loadings in a series of points such as in a framed building, it is uneconomic to use mass concrete. Thee plan size of a foundation is a constant feature being derived from load/ bearing capacity of the subsoil. The addition of reinforcements makes it more modifiable as applicable to the above formula. Wind, floods, fires, earthquakes and droughts are among the dynamic forces that can lead to foundation failures in commercial, residential, industrial and marine structures. The design of a good foundation may require some prior soil investigation as appropriate designs may vary from with soil type and groundwater conditions. The choice of suitable type of footing depends on the depth at which the bearing strata lies, the soil condition and the type of superstructure. Two areas to consider in foundations systems are1) Building Design 2) Foundation Types

Shallow foundations Are those founded near to the finished ground surface; generally where the founding depth (DF) is less than the width of the footing and less than 3m. These are not strict rules, but merely guidelines: basically, if surface loading or other surface conditions will affect the bearing capacity of a foundation it is 'shallow'. Shallow foundations (sometimes called 'spread footings') include pads ('isolated footings'), strip footings and rafts. Shallow foundations are used when surface soils are sufficiently strong and stiff to support the imposed loads; they are generally not suitable in weak or highly compressible soils, such as poorlycompacted fill, peat, recent lacustrine and 1) Spread footing A single column alluvial deposits, bears on a square or rectangular pad to distribute the load over a bigger area.

2) Strap footing A combined footing consisting of two spread footings with a beam or strap connecting the slabs. The purpose of this is to limit differential settlements. It is economical.

3)Wall Footing A continuous wall bears

on a wide pad to distribute the load. Designed to redistribute bearing stress concentrations and associated settlements in the event of variable bearing conditions or ground conditions or localized ground loss beneath footings. The required area at which the strip footing rests is related to the imposed load and the bearing capacity of the soil.

4)Combined footing Multiple columns (typically two) bear on a rectangular or trapezoidal shaped footing. It usually supports 2-3 columns in a row

5)Eccentric footing A spread or wall footing that also must resist a moment in addition to the axial column load.

6)Asymmetrical footing A footing with a shape that does not evenly distribute bearing pressure from column loads and moments. It typically involves a hole or a non-rectangular shape influenced by a boundary or property line.

6)Mat/ Raft foundation A slab that supports multiple columns. The mat can be stiffened with a grid or grade beams. It is typically used when the soil capacity is very low. Raft or mat foundation systems are not common. Raft foundations are used to spread the load from a structure over a large area, normally the entire area of the structure. They are used when column loads or other structural loads are close together and individual pad foundations would interact. A raft foundation normally consists of a concrete slab which extends over the entire loaded area. It may be stiffened by ribs or beams incorporated into the foundation. Raft foundations have the advantage of reducing differential settlements as the concrete slab resists differential movements between loading positions. They are often needed on soft or loose soils with low bearing capacity as they General requirements for footing designcan spread the loads over a larger area. 1)A site investigation is required to determine the chemical and physical properties of soil. 2)Determine the magnitude and distribution of loads from the structure. 3)Establish the tolerance and criteria of tolerance for the settlements of the structure. 4)Determine the most suitable and economic type of foundation. 5)Determine the depth of the footing below the round level and the method of excavation. 6)Determine the pressure distribution below the footing.